Tanzania Lauds Local Energy and Water Sectors

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, intends to learn from and incorporate Jamaica’s practices regarding its energy and water sectors, as part of a study embarked on by that country to improve these areas.
The Tanzanian delegation, who has been in the island since Tuesday (Jan. 20), yesterday (Jan. 21) met with the Minister of Energy, Clive Mullings at the Ministry’s headquarters in Kingston, to discuss matters relating to the energy sector in Jamaica.
Minister for Energy and Minerals in Tanzania, William Ngeleja, informed that he and the delegation have “learnt quite a lot,” from the meetings that have been held with various institutions in Jamaica, adding that “we appreciate the welcome” extended.
“We have come to Jamaica not by default, we have come here by design…to learn the good things that Jamaica has done in terms of the (energy and water) sector,” he said.
Mr. Ngeleja said that one would have thought that it would have been better to visit other countries, such as the United States, “but based on what we have heard, in our records and looking at the background, and the path that Jamaica has passed, to arrive where you are now, we thought it was better that we have a visit in this country, and emulate the good things that you are doing.”
“We as a country, despite the fact that we have a number of resources, that has not really been translated in terms of socio-economic development in our country. So we are making efforts to ensure that we tap (into) those natural resources for the betterment of the present generation and also for the future generation, which is why we have come here, as part of the effort that the government is taking to ensure that we benefit out of the resources that are available in the country (Tanzania).”
Minister of Energy, Clive Mullings, in his remarks, noted that “we are humbled by your Government’s decision to include us as a part of the study to improve your country’s energy (and water) sector.”
He went on to thank the Tanzanian Minister for the opportunity to “share our government’s experience regarding the management of the energy portfolio…we all know this is a challenging area, particularly because of the vulnerabilities and peculiarities associated with this sector.”
“It is indeed a timely visit,” he continued, “as we have done a lot of ground work geared towards improved energy efficiency and greater regulation of the market. Like Jamaica, Tanzania is rich in natural resources.and of course, natural resources can be harnessed for energy generation and among these are the possibilities that exist for wind, and solar energy.”
Representatives from the Consumer Affairs Commission, Petrojam Limited, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR), the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), Jamaica Bureau of Standards, the National Workers Union, and the Fair Trading Commission, also took part in the discussions.