msemakweli
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- Feb 20, 2014
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Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) yesterday confirmed that the country is likely to have abundant oil resources following completion of the first stage of the survey in Lake Tanganyika waters.
According to TPDC, the neighboring Uganda has already discovered oil in the Lake Albert which has the same environment as that of Lake Tanganyika. The surveys at Lake Tanganyika are conducted by an Australian film ‘Beach Petroleum'.
TPDC Acting Production Manager, Dr Meshack Kagya said there are possibilities of getting oil in Lake Tanganyika as initial results of the surveys conducted in previous years discovered presence of some rocks which are potential for oil production.
"We have yet discovered oil in the Lake, the public should understand that what has been seen is rock which can have oil. Once we have the oil Tanzania will be placed in the world map," said Dr Kagya.
Dr Kagya explained that searching for oil requires an investor to go into deep seas of about 600 to 1500 meters from the water surface. He said in order for any company to search for oil in the lake it needs not less than USD 100 million and big ships for exploratory drilling or otherwise apply directorial drilling which is more expensive.
Speaking at a workshop that brought together government officials from various sectors and journalists, Geologist, Norbert Kahyoza said the workshop intended to educate various professionals on how the gas sector operates.
He said Tanzania could lose economic investment opportunities from various sectors following the interference of politicians in activities that need expertise. Kahyoza added that in recent days politicians have been made decisions that interfere the views of experts.
"To interfere expertise jobs may result into the country failing to get investors who intend to bring economic development in the country. Politicians should restrain from professionals and let them free so that they can perfectly do their job," he said.
He said the gas and oil sector will provide various opportunities to Tanzanians who will provide services in the companies that are drilling gas. He called upon Tanzanians to grab available opportunities in the gas industry.
TPDC Board Director, Michael Mwanda said they will continue organizing such seminars because through it people get to know what is happening in the oil and gas sector and how they are going to benefit.
Source:The Guardian
