TANZANIA Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC)’s plans to connect over 30,000 households to a gas distribution network has received a boost from potential investors. Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have expressed their interest in financing the project.
Design for the network was concluded in 2014, but lack of financing has held the project back. The initial design estimates the cost of the project at $741 million. However, the design requires updating to incorporate new developments including making provision for the Rapid Bus Transit (RBT) that will also be powered by natural gas.
The project will see the construction of 15 compressed natural gas stations with pipeline network in all districts across Dar es Salam. The project, which is expected to start once the updated design is finished, is expected to take 15 months to complete. The project, when completed, will allow TPDC an additional channel to monetise gas from fields off the country’s coast.