IPP
Executive Chairman, Dr Reginald Mengi yesterday appealed to religious
leaders to soberly discuss views aired on the need to empower Tanzanians
to take part in and own the natural gas economy.
“It is very crucial for clerics to understand well the views aired by people on issues related to natural gas. This will help them to educate others.
As the private sector we don’t want individuals to own natural gas blocks, we want them owned by Tanzanians through groups. This is the only way to empower low income citizens,” said Dr Mengi when addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
He called on clerics to find time to listen to the private sector and other stakeholders on the topic. Elaborating, he said through formal groups, individuals will have opportunities to buy shares and benefit from the natural gas economy which is a gift from God. He stressed that he was against plans to give natural gas to individuals, saying it is not for the minority but the majority.
Dr Mengi said the public should understand that they are not fighting for the private sector to take over responsibilities of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Cooperation (TPDC), but rather for the private sector to be given part of what foreign investors are getting and work collaboratively with TPDC to ensure most of the revenues collected from gas extractions remain in the country.
He said foreign investors also use their permit to attract other investors to contribute funds for their projects. He said Tanzanians can mobilise themselves and acquire funds, but should they fail, the government should provide support as outlined in the country’s 2004 economic empowerment policy and the national development policy that insists on Tanzanians owning the economy.
“If we restrict gas extraction and production to foreigners, we will be denying Tanzanians the opportunity to contribute and participate in nation development,” he said.
He said economic independence is very crucial and can only be attained by ensuring participation of individual Tanzanians in the gas economy.
According to him, there are some people who still believe that Tanzanians do not have the financial muscle to take part in the gas economy, but once empowered and through groups they can efficiently participate.
Dr Mengi said the private sector was encouraged by the recent successes registered through the meeting of the Tanzania National Business Council under the Chairmanship of President Jakay Kikwete where it was decided that they form a committee to review recommendations of the private sector and submit them in March this year.
He said the committee among other things was to suggest how Tanzanians can benefit from the gas economy. However responsible ministries should have waited for the committee’s report before convening meetings on how to empower Tanzanians.
“It is very crucial for clerics to understand well the views aired by people on issues related to natural gas. This will help them to educate others.
As the private sector we don’t want individuals to own natural gas blocks, we want them owned by Tanzanians through groups. This is the only way to empower low income citizens,” said Dr Mengi when addressing journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday.
IPP Executive Chairman, Dr Reginald Mengi
He called on clerics to find time to listen to the private sector and other stakeholders on the topic. Elaborating, he said through formal groups, individuals will have opportunities to buy shares and benefit from the natural gas economy which is a gift from God. He stressed that he was against plans to give natural gas to individuals, saying it is not for the minority but the majority.
Dr Mengi said the public should understand that they are not fighting for the private sector to take over responsibilities of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Cooperation (TPDC), but rather for the private sector to be given part of what foreign investors are getting and work collaboratively with TPDC to ensure most of the revenues collected from gas extractions remain in the country.
He said foreign investors also use their permit to attract other investors to contribute funds for their projects. He said Tanzanians can mobilise themselves and acquire funds, but should they fail, the government should provide support as outlined in the country’s 2004 economic empowerment policy and the national development policy that insists on Tanzanians owning the economy.
“If we restrict gas extraction and production to foreigners, we will be denying Tanzanians the opportunity to contribute and participate in nation development,” he said.
He said economic independence is very crucial and can only be attained by ensuring participation of individual Tanzanians in the gas economy.
According to him, there are some people who still believe that Tanzanians do not have the financial muscle to take part in the gas economy, but once empowered and through groups they can efficiently participate.
Dr Mengi said the private sector was encouraged by the recent successes registered through the meeting of the Tanzania National Business Council under the Chairmanship of President Jakay Kikwete where it was decided that they form a committee to review recommendations of the private sector and submit them in March this year.
He said the committee among other things was to suggest how Tanzanians can benefit from the gas economy. However responsible ministries should have waited for the committee’s report before convening meetings on how to empower Tanzanians.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
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