The Geita region has officially welcomed a TZS 17 billion project to expand electricity access across 105 sub-villages within seven constituencies.
The Geita Regional Commissioner, Hon. Martine Shigella, introduced the project contractor, CCC (Beijing) Industrial and Commercial Ltd, a Chinese company, during an event on October 22, 2024 afternoon.
The project, which will be implemented over the next two years, is set to benefit 3,465 customers.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Shigella expressed optimism, stating that the initiative marks a new chapter for rural energy availability in the region.
He emphasized that access to electricity will boost residential consumption and the development of small industries, mining, agriculture, and fishing sectors, which employ many locals.
“I am delighted to see how well REA has organized this project by introducing the contractor to start work in our region,” said Hon. Shigella.
He further noted that Geita has 486 villages, of which 483 have already been connected to electricity through previous Rural Energy Agency (REA) projects.
Out of the region’s 2,195 sub-villages, 1,017 currently have access to electricity.
Once the new project is completed, it will extend power to an additional 105 sub-villages across seven constituencies: Geita Town, Geita Rural, Busanda, Nyang’wale, Chato, Bukombe, and Mbogwe.
REA’s project supervisor for Geita, Engineer Dominick Mnaa, explained that the region comprises 122 wards, 486 villages, and 2,195 sub-villages.
He confirmed that electricity has already reached 121 wards, 483 villages, and 1,017 sub-villages.
However, some challenges remain in connecting the remaining areas.
“The Izumacheli Ward, consisting of three villages—Izumacheli, Butwa, and Lunazi—has not yet been connected due to its location on Lake Victoria. REA is in the final stages of identifying a contractor to supply solar-powered electricity to these villages,” Engineer Mnaa noted.
Representing CCC (Beijing) Industrial and Commercial Ltd, Ms. Carol Wang assured that the company is prepared to complete the project promptly.
She expressed gratitude to the Regional Commissioner for his commitment to supporting the project's execution.
“We appreciate the regional leadership's promise to assist us throughout the implementation of this project,” Ms. Wang said.
This ambitious project is expected to play a crucial role in improving rural electrification, enhancing economic productivity, and fostering development across Geita Region.