SUMMARY
The training aimed to equip community policing representatives with the knowledge needed to step up efforts to control illegal gas refilling and the unauthorized distribution of gas in residential neighborhoods.
DAR ES SALAAM: Taifa Gas has conducted a one-day educational training session for representatives of the Tanzania Community Policing Union (USHITA) on the proper use of gas cylinders and illegal gas refilling, as part of efforts to raise public awareness on combating the on-going problem across the country.
Speaking during the training in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Taifa Gas , Dar es Salaam and Coast Region Zonal Manager, Mr Joseph Richard said the training aimed to equip community policing representatives with the knowledge needed to step up efforts to control illegal gas refilling and the unauthorized distribution of gas in residential neighborhoods.
“Among other topics, the community policing representatives had the opportunity to learn about gas usage, how to control gas when it is about to explode, and environmental conservation,” Richard said.
He added that the seminar also aimed to teach them how to use gas correctly, maintain safety in their residential areas, and identify individuals involved in the illegal refilling and distribution of gas that has not been certified by the relevant authorities.
Richard, who oversees sales in Dar es Salaam and the Coast Region, added that they had decided to involve this group in order to promote safety and enable swift action whenever signs of illegal gas refilling and distribution were identified in their communities.
“This training was conducted for approximately 26 representatives from the Dar es Salaam Region who belong to the Tanzania Community Policing Union (USHITA). The aim was to broaden their understanding of illegal gas refilling and intensify efforts to combat this illegal trade in order to protect the lives and property of citizens,” he emphasized.
He explained that the training had begun in Dar es Salaam, but plans are underway to extend it to upcountry such as Mwanza, Arusha, Tanga, Dodoma, and Morogoro. This would help spread awareness of the proper use of gas cylinders and how to control illegal refilling and distribution which is contracly to the national laws.
For his part, Taifa Gas, Engineer Maxwell Masuba said the training also focused on teaching participants about the dangers of gas adulteration, environmental damage, and how engaging in this illegal business puts the lives of individuals and communities at risk.
“There are serious dangers associated with transferring gas from one cylinder to another through unauthorized methods. The way this gas is distributed can endanger the lives of individuals and the community as a whole,” he added.
He said illegal gas refilling and distribution often involve the use of inappropriate equipment, with the operations taking place in residential neighborhoods rather than at company facilities (depots).
He added that it was important for Tanzanians to understand how to use gas correctly, how to help combat the illegal use and distribution of gas in the society, and how to extinguish a gas fire when one is about to break out, for their own safety.
Enock Ngulwa, Taifa Gas Regional Sales Manager for Dar es Salaam, said the USHITA representatives would serve as ambassadors for efforts to combat the growing wave of illegal gas refilling in residential areas.
He emphasized that conducting gas-refilling and distribution businesses without permits causes losses to the nation and reduces government revenue. He said the company had therefore taken responsibility for providing training on the proper use of gas and raising awareness about illegal gas refilling and distribution in the country.
Msafiri Hamisi, a community police officer from Kinondoni, said the training was important because they play a role in community safety. He said it was essential for them to understand the proper use of gas and the problem of illegal gas refilling in the society so they could help address it.
“For us, this is the right time to learn the best ways to tackle the problem of illegal gas-refilling businesses operating in the society without permits, so that we can work with Taifa Gas to apprehend those involved and bring them before the relevant legal authorities,” Hamisi said.
Faraji Rashid Kiluwa, from Bunju, also said the training was vital as participants had learned about using clean energy source and responding to emergencies such as fires when gas ignites.
