New gas tank project to revolutionise Dar's Ferry Fish Market

Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam City Council (DCC) has signed an agreement with Oryx Gas Tanzania to develop a new modern gas tank project at the Ferry Fish Market.

Valued at Sh300 million, the project aims to significantly improve the infrastructure available to local fishermen and industry players.

Ilala Constituency legislator Mussa Azzan Zungu, announced on Saturday, September 14, 2024, that the agreement for the project's execution is nearing completion, with 90 per cent of the process finalised.

This initiative is expected to provide a substantial boost to the fishing industry in the region.

Currently, many local fishermen and market participants rely on the use of gas filled in cylinders, which has been associated with numerous challenges.

The introduction of a modern gas tank is anticipated to reduce reliance on unsustainable sources of energy, which has triggered huge losses to traders and other players in the industry.

The project aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration's broader commitment to transitioning to cleaner cooking energy.

As global efforts intensify to phase out dirty energy sources that contribute to climate change, this development reflects Tanzania's dedication to sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship.

Speaking at the Ferry Fish Market, Mr Zungu, who doubles as the National Assembly Deputy Speaker, said fish-frying traders have been incurring huge losses for purchasing gas cylinders.

He said, however, that only 45 percent of purchased cylinders are operational due to gas freezing and turning into ice.

"Due to these losses, we have decided to initiate a comprehensive gas tank project where everyone will have their own supply and usage. This will improve the efficiency of gas utilisation while keeping costs affordable,” he said.

"Moreover, we strongly support President Hassan's efforts to protect our environment. Firewood and charcoal smoke damage our environment, so we align with the President and our partners,” he added.

He sincerely thanked Oryx Gas Tanzania for its collaboration with the DCC in the provision of clean and safe energy to fish-frying traders, but at an affordable cost.

Mr Zungu said the legal agreement between the two sides has been completed at over 90 percent to enable every player in the market to conduct business at lower costs.

“The Ilala Municipal Council leaders have made huge efforts to ensure the gas tank project is executed, especially securing the project site,” he said, adding that the project has come with broad benefits for traders, the environment, and the nation at large.

Oryx Gas Tanzania acting director general, Mr Ashelly Mbasha, said the Sh300 million project was expected to start as soon as possible.

“We request market stakeholders to protect the infrastructure during the execution and once it is completed. We are going to install high-cost infrastructure due to the high safety requirements; therefore, high-level infrastructure protection is required for the project to be sustainable,” he said.

Oryx will continue its collaboration with the government and specifically Ilala Member of Parliament that has come up with this great innovation that will make the market cleaner and safer,” added Mr Mbasha.

He commended President Hassan’s visionary campaign to ensure 80 per cent of Tanzanians use clean energy, reaching 2034.

Mr Mbasha welcomed the collaboration of other stakeholders from private companies, organisations, and institutions in the realisation of the government’s agenda.

Speaking during the event, Dar es Salaam Mayor Omar Kumbilamoto said Mr Zungu is doing a significant job in the country’s energy transition.

“As we understand that transitions come with challenges, traders are requested to embrace changes,” he said, appreciating Oryx Gas Tanzania’s collaboration.

The Dar es Salaam City Director, Elihuruma Mabelya, said the project’s contract was signed three days ago, saying project commence was the only waited thing after all necessary permits had been obtained.

He requested traders to cooperate with Oryx Gas Tanzania during the project implementation, saying the focus was the broader interests of Dar es Salaam residents and President Hassan, whose efforts are now recognised globally as a key environmental champion.