Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Daily News.
THE Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) is set to invest 120bn/- in constructing a 34-kilometre natural gas pipeline connecting the Ntorya gas field to the Madimba Gas Processing Plant in Mtwara.
This government-backed initiative is part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to expand access to natural gas and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Speaking to Daily News at the ongoing 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), TPDC Geologist Erick Kivera revealed that the Corporation issued a restricted tender for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract in October 2024.
“Contracts were officially awarded in July 2025 to two Chinese companies China Petroleum Pipeline and China Petroleum Technology & Development Corporation. The project is ready to commence, with contractors secured, technical assessments completed and compensation procedures finalised,” said Mr Kivera.
TPDC disbursed approximately 490m/- in compensation to 255 individuals affected by the pipeline route. Environmental impact assessments and feasibility studies have also been completed.
Strategically located near major liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, the Ntorya gas field is a key asset in Tanzania’s energy sector. British-listed firm Aminex holds a 25 per cent non-operating interest in the project.
The pipeline is expected to support growing national energy demands and align with government efforts to reduce energy poverty. In a related development, private energy company ARA Petroleum is preparing to drill a new gas well in the Ntorya area and work over two existing wells.
Gas from these sources will be transported to the Madimba plant via the new pipeline. While the upstream partners manage drilling and development, TPDC is overseeing pipeline infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted gas delivery to the processing facility.
Mr Kivera noted that tests will be conducted on the Ntorya-2 well to assess whether the gas can be processed directly at Madimba or if a preliminary treatment station is required.
“Natural gas often contains moisture and other gases that may need removal before entering the main facility,” he explained.
Construction is expected to be completed within eight months, with first gas flow projected by mid-2026 marking a significant step toward strengthening Tanzania’s domestic energy supply and supporting cleaner industrial development.
