Taifa Gas Conducts Training on Combating Illegal Gas Refilling and Distribution in Dar es Salaam Region

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 the dangers of illegal gas refilling, as part of efforts to raise public awareness and combat the ongoing problem across the country.

Speaking during the training in Dar es Salaam, 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 unauthorised distribution of gas in residential neighbourhoods.

“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 emphasised.

He explained that the training had begun in Dar es Salaam, but plans were underway to extend it to upcountry regions 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 contrary to 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 unauthorised 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 involved the use of inappropriate equipment, with the operations taking place in residential neighbourhoods 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 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 in efforts to combat the growing wave of illegal gas refilling in residential areas.

He emphasised 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 ensuring community safety. He said it was essential for them to understand the proper use of gas and the problem of illegal gas refilling in society so that 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 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.