By The Respondent Reporter
Tanzania's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has stated that the operation of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) electric trains from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma is proof that the country has an adequate power supply.
Speaking after arriving in Dodoma from Dar es Salaam on the SGR electric train for the first time, Dr. Biteko emphasized that the functionality of the electric train signifies the reliability of Tanzania's electricity supply. "The SGR electric train is another testament that Tanzania has enough power. It also shows that when reliable electricity is available, it opens up various economic opportunities, industries are being built, and industrial clusters are increasing," Dr. Biteko noted.
Dr. Biteko assured that the Ministry of Energy is committed to ensuring sufficient power supply at all times. He mentioned ongoing efforts to strengthen the power infrastructure, particularly by constructing a new power transmission line from Chalinze to Dodoma. This project will complement the power supply from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Dam, with future plans to extend electricity distribution to Singida, Arusha, and Mwanza.
The SGR, hailed as a game-changing infrastructural project for Tanzania, operates using electric-powered trains, a clear indication of the country's progress in both energy and transportation sectors. The launch of the SGR service marks a significant milestone in Tanzania's development agenda, as it boosts industrialization, reduces transportation costs, and enhances trade efficiency. The government's commitment to improving electricity infrastructure, as mentioned by Dr. Biteko, ensures that projects like the SGR and other large-scale developments are supported by a stable and reliable energy supply.
As the SGR project expands its network, it is expected to further stimulate economic growth by facilitating faster and more efficient movement of goods and people, especially between key industrial regions. This will not only strengthen Tanzania's domestic economy but also enhance its competitiveness within the East African region.