Energy firm hands over construction materials to Katesh victims

The construction materials included 600 bags of cement, 800 corrugated iron sheets, and 1000 steel rods.

Speaking shortly after receiving the donation, Hanang District Commissioner, Janeth Mayanja expressed gratitude for the assistance from the energy firm saying the government, under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is committed to rebuilding homes for those affected.

She said that currently they are in the stage of land assessment.

“This timely donation of construction materials from Puma Energy is crucial, considering that the government is now in the process of initiating housing projects for citizens who lost their homes in the floods,” she emphasized.

Mayanja urged other stakeholders to emulate Puma Energy’s example and support the government’s efforts, particularly by providing construction materials, which are currently in high demand.

The company’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Godluck Shirima said: “We are deeply saddened by the floods affecting our fellow citizens in Katesh. We have directed this donation of construction materials to support the government’s efforts in providing shelter for the victims who lost their homes in the landslide.”

Shirima, who represented the company CEO, Fatma Mohamed Abdallah, stated that Puma energy has also been adversely affected by the floods, as their Katesh station suffered severe damage.

“As a resident of Katesh, the company deemed it fitting to contribute to the community in this time of need,” he added.

The mudslide disaster occurred on December 3, this year, leaving over 70 people dead and more than 300 households displaced as mudslide swept through Katesh Township in Hanang District in Manyara Region.

The torrential rain is also reported to have caused a slice of Mount Hanang to collapse, with the raging mud covering homes and anything that stood in its way.

Puma is a leading energy and oil company in Tanzania, operating 78 fuel stations nationwide and providing aviation fuel services at 8 airports. The company serves major strategic customers, including mines, government projects and public institutions.

The company is a 50-50 joint venture between the government, represented by the Treasury Registrar, and the Puma Energy Group.