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 sectors.

The Tanzanian delegation, who has been in the island since Tuesday (January 20), met with the Minister of Energy, Clive Mullings at the Ministry's headquarters in Kingston on January 21, to discuss matters relating to the energy sector in Jamaica.

Tanzanian Minister for Energy and Minerals,  William Ngeleja, said he and the delegation have "learnt quite a lot," from the meetings that have been held with various institutions in Jamaica.

He said "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.  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."

He added that "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."

Minister of Energy, Clive Mullings said "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."

Minister Mullings added that "it is indeed a timely visit, 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.

Posted 2009 January 23

Source: Jamaica Information Service