Dodoma — The Tanzania Petroleum Development Company (TPDC) and International Energy Development Corporation (IEDC) of Kuwait have plugged and abandoned Makarawe gas wells in Pangani, Tanga despite tests showing signs of the presence of gas.

The Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, George Simbachawene, while responding to a question by Saleh Ahmed Pamba (Pangani-CCM), told the National assembly here on Monday that the wells were drilled at a depth of 3821 metres in 1984.

However, he said TPDC together with Afren Company of UK and Dodsal of Dubai will continue with the search in Tanga and Coast regions because there have been positive indications of hydrocarbon potential.

Simbachawene, however, clarified that AMOCO Company has never been involved in gas exploration activities in Pangani.

In his basic question, Mr Pamba wanted to know the results of gas explorations, which he said were conducted by AMOCO Company in 1990.

Meanwhile, Simbachawene said the ministry was finalizing formulation of policy, laws and strategic plans on gas use. He said the government was working closely with a consultant - the Research on Poverty Alleviation (REPOA), to review the natural gas policy.

"The consultant started the review in May this year and we expect the work to be concluded by September this year," he told the House.

Simbachawene was responding to a basic question by Amina Nassoro Makilagi (Special Seats - CCM), who had sought to know, when the government will enact laws, policy and come up with strategic gas plans for the benefit of the country. She felt that Tanzania can be considered under explored with relatively few explorations and wells that have been drilled such as Songo Songo, Mkuranga and Mnazi Bay gas fields.