Kibaha. The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has intensified public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging communities to protect the country’s natural gas pipeline infrastructure.
The corporation said the safety of the infrastructure depends heavily on cooperation between authorities and residents living near the pipeline.
As part of the initiative, TPDC has continued to provide public education to communities located along the natural gas pipeline route in the Coast Region.
The programme is currently focusing on residents in the districts of Rufiji, Kibiti and Mkuranga.
The campaign seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of safeguarding the pipeline.
It also aims to equip residents with knowledge on how to identify and report activities that could threaten the safety of the infrastructure.
Speaking during one of the awareness sessions, TPDC Community Development Officer Ashura Hoja said the natural gas pipeline is a national asset that requires protection from all citizens.
“The natural gas pipeline is a national resource. Every citizen has a responsibility to help protect this infrastructure and report unusual activities taking place near the pipeline,” she said.
TPDC also commended residents in the affected areas for their cooperation in protecting the infrastructure.
The corporation urged communities to remain vigilant, warning that any damage to the pipeline could disrupt essential services and affect national development.
A resident of Jaribu Mpakani village in Kibiti District, Kassimu Iddi, said the education programme had significantly changed public attitudes towards the protection of the gas pipeline.
“We now understand that protecting the gas pipeline means protecting our lives and the development of our nation. We have decided to become the first line of defence for this infrastructure,” he said.
TPDC has continued to call on communities living near the natural gas pipeline to participate fully in joint security efforts to ensure the infrastructure is protected for the benefit of current and future generations.
