28 August 2016, Dar es Salaam – Conflicting reports are surfacing that the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Director General, Dr James Mataragio, has been suspended by the parastatal’s Board of Directors effective Wednesday.
Impeccable sources within the oil and gas exploration authority said Mr Mataragio has thus fallen among the high ranking casualties of last year’s derogatory audit report by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG).
However, as of yesterday, there has not been any official statement from TPDC regarding the new development. But insiders suggested the performance audit on the management of process of awarding exploration and development contracts and licences for natural gas released by the CAG, Professor Mussa Juma Assad, in March this year, would have cost the renowned geoscientist dearly.
“The organisation is not safe now. He (DG) was given a suspension letter yesterday (Wednesday) and it is because of the audit report … the letter came from the board chairman not the minister,” sources closer to the TPDC told the ‘Daily News’, preferring anonymity.
Ministry of Energy and Minerals Permanent Secretary (PS) Professor Justin Ntalikwa told this newspaper that he was aware of the news in circulation but declined further comment. “I am aware of the news but it would be better if you seek clarification from our board chairman. He might give you all the details you want since the decision also came from the board,” he told the ‘Daily News’ in a telephone interview.
- Tanzania Daily News
