By Respondent Reporter
President of the United Republic of
Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has urged the Ministry of Energy and the
Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to ensure the timely completion of
the 132kV power transmission line from Tabora to Katavi and the construction of
the associated receiving, step-down, and distribution station. The goal is to
integrate Katavi into the national grid by September this year.
President Samia made these remarks on
July 13, 2024, while addressing residents of Mlele District in Katavi Region
after inspecting the progress of the power transmission project. She expressed
satisfaction with the development of the 132kV Tabora-Katavi power line and the
Inyonga receiving, step-down, and distribution station.
"I wish for Katavi to completely
move away from the high costs of using generators. The completion of these
projects will enable the people of Katavi to benefit from reliable electricity
for economic purposes and investment growth. The government has invested
heavily in these projects, and I encourage the citizens to seize the
opportunities brought by having sufficient and reliable electricity," said
Dr. Samia.
Furthermore, she commended Tanesco for
its diligent work in implementing power projects and urged them to expedite
customer connections once the projects are completed.
President Samia emphasized that electricity is a crucial pillar for individuals and the industrial economy, aligning with the directives of the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Manifesto, which advocates for adequate electricity supply nationwide.
Presenting the project's implementation report to the President, TANESCO Managing Director Gissima Nyamo-Hanga stated that once completed, the project will save approximately TZS 2.2 billion per month, which is currently spent on fuel to run power plants in Katavi. This cost-saving will be realized as soon as Katavi is connected to the national grid.
