Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said on Friday the planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) project will create more than 10,000 jobs to people in the east African nation.
"Talks are on-going between the government negotiation team and international oil companies on how implementation of the economically viable project could begin," Majaliwa told the National Assembly in the capital Dodoma.
Majaliwa said the project will employ 10,000 on permanent basis and 3,000 others will be hired as casual laborers.
He added: "The LNG project will have a number of economic benefits to our country. As negotiations are on-going, we are taking all the precaution measures to put national interests first."
The 30-billion-U.S.-dollar project will cover 2,071.1 hectares in southern Tanzania, said Majaliwa, adding that once completed it will see Tanzania becoming a gas exporting country as well as increasing government revenues.
He said the liquefied natural gas project will boost economic growth in southern regions of Lindi and Mtwara and expansion of the Mtwara port and airport.
"Implementation of the project will also ensure reliable availability of gas for both, domestic and commercial uses," the prime minister told the august House.
The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) said recently that it had invited bids from consultants to help it devise a commercial, legal and technical framework for the LNG project.
Tanzania has recoverable reserves estimated at around 57 trillion cubic feet.
Editor:Amber
