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Na Ebeneza Mollel
The number of Tanzanians employed in the ongoing 3D seismic data acquisition project at Ruvu Block has surpassed by far that of expatriates, thanks to emphasis put on local content agenda. As of August, 2021 the number of Tanzanians contracted to work in the project totaled 464 compared to 34 expatriates, making 93 percent of total employees.
As the enforcer of the local content requirements in the petroleum upstream operations, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) has to a greater extent succeeded in ensuring local nationals are given first consideration in the currently implemented Ruvu Project. The project is undertaken by the Chinese company by the name BGP International (T) Ltd on behalf of the Contractor – Dodsal Hydrocarbons and Power (T) Pvt. Ltd and involves acquisition of 3D seismic data (with a minimum area of 481 square kilometers full fold) over the Ruvu Block located onshore Tanzania, 35 kilometers west of Dar es Salaam.
In accordance with the Petroleum (Local Content) Regulations, 2017; oil and gas companies operating in the country are obliged to employ only Tanzanians in unskilled and semi-skilled positions. Such companies are also obliged to give priority to qualified Tanzanians in positions requiring highly skilled individuals. To ensure this is being adhered to, PURA always tracks down the employment status of companies taking part in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the country, and where necessary, the Authority intervenes to safeguard the interest of the local workforce.
Apart from looking at the number of locals vis-à-vis expatriates, PURA goes a step further to engage responsible Authorities in the country in an attempt to improve the remunerations and welfare of Tanzanians employed in petroleum upstream projects including Ruvu. PURA also ensures qualified Tanzanian employees are appointed to serve in managerial positions and that companies prepare and implement a succession plan.
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