BRafr-September2017

SONGAS LIMITED
since its operations began in 2004. Songas uses
reliable infrastructure which means that there is
no need to constantly update its technology.
“The company has not changed a lot since we
went operational in 2004,” says Whittaker. “Prior
to that there was a lot of time and effort involved
in developing the gas process and the building of
the pipeline, upgrading the old plant by converting
it to gas, and adding new units. Since then the
plant has been running in a stable operation.”
While stability is something to aspire to, it
can never be quite enough when a business
can do so much more and with its excellent
service in a nation with low rates of electricity
consumption. So how can Songas keep
doing what it’s doing, but do more of it?
The challenges for Songas are external, and
things which will take time to change. Both
TANESCO and the Tanzanian government
are dealing with struggles which affect
Songas, but Whittaker is hopeful.
“The government is hoping to organise a
financial package with the World Bank which will
alleviate TANESCO’s financial issues, making
it financially viable going forward,” he says.
“We’re anxious to see the outcome because it’s
important not just for companies like Songas, but
the whole financial electricity sector generally.”
Songas is developing a plan to upgrade two of
118 September 2017