TANZANIA 3. Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM) CATEGORY 1: WEBSITE https://mem.go.tz Available in both Swahili and English languages, the MEM website is among the best. The site is up to date and contains almost all information about the ministry. It is also linked to the national website and all its affiliate agencies. It was one of the best last year and continues to maintain this standard. n = 20 Yes No Partial Additional Information s Contains the 2014/15 ministry budget a) A description of its powers, as well as data on the organisational structure, the functions, and the responsibilities of the administration? s Both administrative and political structures are detailed on the website b) A list of laws, Acts etc. issued within the scope of its powers? s The Mining Act 2010 c) Reports, policies, programs? s The Natural Gas Policy 2013 d) Budget and expenditure? s The 2014/15 budget and expenditure is presented 1. Does this website contain up to date information? 2. Does the website contain the following: e) Information about procurement procedures, signed contracts? s f) Vacancy and employment procedures? s While information on tender and procurement are available, no signed contracts are posted g) The name and address, telephone number, and the working hours of the respective institution? s Office Working Hours: 07.30hrs – 15.30hrs, Monday to Friday. h) The contact details of public officials? s The permanent secretary i) A mechanism to request and receive a response to electronic messages and requests for information? s Emails are monitored even after normal working hours Total Score: 18/20 CATEGORY 2: REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION The following questions were sent to the MEM: 1. Rural electrification is one of the key indicators for the country’s development. To what extent has this been done in the country? 2. What are the strategies in place to make sure the country does not solely depend on water for electricity production? 3. To what extent is the local population involved in deciding or implementing energy-based projects established in their areas? 4. How easily available is information on energy-based projects to those who need it? 5. About the gas industry: is there going to be a gas plant in Mtwara so that Dar is one of the markets or will the plant be in Dar so that Mtwara is an external market for gas? Is there no way of establishing everything in Mtwara and only extending the pipes to other regions including Dar es Salaam and thereby creating employment opportunities to the natives? For example GAZPROM in Russia (if I’m not mistaken), has its gas taken to Western Europe for sale. n = 20 1. Is there an official designated to take and respond to information requests? (Please state title of officials in ‘Additional Information’) 96 Yes No Additional Information The registry unit and the permanent secretary’s office deals with all correspondence s 2. Did the institution reply within 21 days? (If less than 7 please state in ‘Additional Information’) s 3. Did the Institution respond to a request for information? s It was after the researcher called the office one week later