Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa has reassured the government’s commitment and willingness to execute the 70tri/- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Lindi Region, for the greater interest of local residents and the country at large.
He said so far, the government is in negotiations with investors before kickoff of the project, asking those who have acquired land around the project area to start developing their plots.
The Premier made the statements on Tuesday during his tour to the project area in Likong’o village, Lindi district. Mr Majaliwa is in the region for a work visit to inspect development projects that are being implemented.
“The LNG project comes with a good number of opportunities, I’m encouraging you all to make good use of this project that will also create employment opportunities for residents of this area,” he said.
Mr Majaliwa also urged the villagers to protect the project areas for it be used for the intended purpose, which in turn will fuel development upon completion of the construction project.
For his part, the Director General of Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Dr James Mataragio said so far a total of 5.2bn/- has been paid, as compensation to over 600 residents of Likong’o and Mto Mkavu streets in Lindi Municipal.
“The project will cover 2071 hectors, and on October 20, this year, the government through TPDC will hold a consultation meeting with investors, being part of preparations toward implementation of the project,” he said.
The implementation of this project gained momentum as of March this year, where President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed her administration to fast-track delayed investments.
Plans for an LNG plant on the country’s southern coast and a pipeline connecting offshore fields have been under consideration since 2014.
In another development, the Prime Minister said the government has issued over 16bn/- for construction and renovation of different projects in the education sector in the Lindi region.
Due to this, he instructed Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in the region to properly supervise the projects and ensure value for money in all the spending.
The premier also urged LGA officials in the region to be creative and increase revenue collections from their own sources.
“The money to be collected must be spent on the intended purpose not otherwise,” he insisted, saying the government will continue taking measures against those who are abusing public funds meant for development projects.
“All the government wants is to see development projects are being implemented and ensure all Tanzanians have access to social services accordingly,” noted Mr Majaliwa.
