German organization Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung (FES) has launched an almanac to provide updates on progress in the Tanzanian petroleum sector, reported AllAfrica.

The database – the Tanzania Oil and Gas Almanac –  will be available in hard copy and on the internet in both Kiswahili and English.

“The challenge is however to spread the information to people in rural areas who can hardly access the internet,” explained retired Controller and Auditor General (CAG), Mr Ludovick Utouh, adding that the almanac will enhance transparency in the fledgling industry.

“Information included in the database has been drawn from publicly available sources.

It was created using Media Wiki software, meaning that there will be online database of all updated articles”, he said.

The Chief Editor of the almanac, Mr Abdallah Katunzi, also said the portal will provide timely information for the general public, researchers, policy makers and the media, among other stakeholders.

“There are about 16 countries in the world with such a database; lack of information on extractive industry is among challenges the country has been facing,” he added.

According to Katunzi, who is a lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, a study conducted by research organization Twaweza found out that 77% of Tanzanians are not aware of petroleum discoveries and thus the need for heightened awareness.

Tanzania has so far discovered more than 55 tcf of natural gas and, according to Rigzone, Solo Oil announced that its assets in Tanzania represent the most significant investments for the company and revealed that their further development “is being actively pursued”.

Solo made major gas-condensate discovery in 2012 in the Ruvuma PSA. The area is estimated contains a gross 158 bcf of proven gas in place.