Tanzania
has made great progress in connecting its villages to the power grid, the Deputy
Minister for Energy, Hon. Judith Kapinga has confirmed the success.
Speaking during
the launch of electricity services in Mpingi Village, Ms. Kapinga said as of
August 16, 2024, only 151 out of 12,318 villages remain without electricity.
. "We
are almost finished with this historic project. With fewer than 151 villages
left, we are focused on making sure every village gets electricity," she
said.
This
effort is part of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s plan to make electricity
a basic need for all Tanzanians.
The Rural
Energy Agency (REA) is now planning the next steps. They will work on bringing
electricity to smaller communities and hamlets that have not yet been reached.
They also plan to improve the power distribution network to handle more demand
and use new technologies.
In
addition, the REA will focus on renewable energy sources, like solar and wind
power, where extending the grid is difficult.
"We
are committed to using sustainable energy solutions," Kapinga added.
The REA
will also educate communities about using and maintaining electricity. They aim
to make connections more affordable, with potential subsidies for low-income
households.
Monitoring
and evaluating progress will be a priority to address any issues quickly.
Mr. Robert
Dulle, the Rural Electrification Projects Coordinator for Ruvuma Region, urged
residents to connect to the grid for a fee of 27,000 Tanzanian Shillings.
He also
advised them to protect the infrastructure from damage, especially during
farming.
The REA’s plans show Tanzania’s dedication to improving energy access and quality of life. These efforts aim to boost economic growth, enhance living standards, and support sustainable development goals.
