Tanzania Has Huge Gas Deposits - Mwijage

Dodoma — With over 57 trillion cubic feet of gas, the government has boasted of a huge capacity that can accommodate serious investors in petrochemical manufacturing.

Industry, Trade and Investment Minister Charles Mwijage told the National Assembly here that the government has already invited HELM AG for final negotiations over the project execution.

The German firm intends to invest over two billion US dollars for the development of a huge petrochemical plant at Msanga Mkuu, in Mtwara region.

Answering a question by Ms Hawa Ghasia (Mtwara Rural-CCM) who demanded to know the government's stance on the project, Mr Mwijage said following the technical evaluation over the project subject to the gas utilization master plan and the gas reserve, the government has approved the project.

He said the available gas reserve can easily accommodate the project, which requires 104 mmcf of gas per day. Meanwhile, non-performing industries will be repossessed, the government reaffirmed here, urging all investors who acquired the former public factories to ensure that they are working.

Mr Mwijage told the National Assembly here that the government was determined to repossess all industries not producing and give them to serious investors. He said it was through industries that the government envisages creating jobs for Tanzanians and contributing to the national income.