Rising tides threaten Mtwara gas pipeline

Written by DAILY NEWS Reporter in Mtwara

THE Chairman of Board of Directors of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Mr Michael Mwanda, is shown by Madimba Gas Plant Manager, Mr Leonce Mroso (right), part of the area which has been destroyed by sea waves on Mnazi Bay in Madimba Ward, Mtwara Region, during the board’s tour of the area recently. The seafront was eroded by rainwater endangering the gas pipeline. Looking on (left) is TPDC Public Relations Officer, Mr Francis Lupokela. (Photo by Our Correspondent)

PART of the 532 kilometre of natural gas pipeline from Mnazi Bay in Mtwara to Dar es Salaam is under threat of being washed away by high tides unless urgent remedial measures are taken.

Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), Madimba Gas Plant Manager, Mr Leonce Mroso, attributed heavy rains of January 13 to the damage of over 100 metre stretch of the edge leaving only a four metre from the Indian Ocean to the gas pipeline.

“We’re thankful to regional authorities and the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) for their efforts to control soil erosion near the plant but we need immediate measures to permanently control the problem,” said Mr Mroso when briefing TPDC Board of Directors which was on tour to inspect the project.

Board Chairman, Mr Michael Mwanda, directed all stakeholders including TPDC and Marine Park officials as well NEMC to speed up efforts to solve the problem, saying TPDC should analyse the problem and find a lasting solution.

He said the corporation should involve marine experts in order to come up with scientific explanation and solution to the problem and called for support from Mtwara regional authorities in their quest for a permanent solution.

“I am concerned with the situation as it is since it would not only affect the pipeline but also the power plants in Mtwara and Lindi,” said Mr Mwanda. He went on to say that the problem might affect the entire village of Msimbati thus the need of immediate action to control the situation.

Mtwara Regional Commissioner, Ms Halima Dendegu, said that her office has already taken short term measures to solve the problem and that the office has prepared a brief report proposing scientists to be involved in the matter.

She assured the chairman that they are doing their best to make sure that the problem becomes history and that the second phase to control water has already started which involves placing stones to control ocean waves.

Ms Dendegu thanked the Mtwara based Dangote Cement Industry for supplying stones to ensure the second phase of the exercise to block water goes on smoothly.

“We are making sure that people living near the area and industries are safe for now while waiting for a permanent solution,” she said.

Ms Dendegu said the people should not be worried by the situation and that there would be no power cuts because of the problem.

She, however, called on other private companies to emulate Dangote Cement and support government efforts to prevent destruction which might be caused by ocean waves.