By alfred Zacharia
The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Dr. Khatibu Kazungu, has emphasized the critical role of electricity in driving economic and social development.
He assured that the Ministry of Energy is committed to providing citizens with a reliable power supply to support various development activities.
Dr. Kazungu made these remarks during his visit to the Kidatu Hydropower Plant in Morogoro Region, which has a production capacity of 204 megawatts.
Highlighting the importance of efficient energy distribution, Dr. Kazungu called for robust management of power generation projects to ensure they meet the demands of economic and social progress.
He noted that the Kidatu Power Plant, which has been operational since 1975 and is marking 50 years of service, requires modernization.
To this end, he directed TANESCO to conduct a feasibility study and implement necessary renovations to enhance the plant’s efficiency and extend its operational lifespan.
While inspecting Unit 2, currently undergoing renovations that began in May 2024 and are expected to be completed by January 2025, Dr. Kazungu urged TANESCO to closely monitor the contractor to ensure timely completion of the project.
Once operational, the renovated unit will significantly boost the plant's power generation capacity, supporting the national grid.
Engineer Manfred Lucas, Project Manager at the Kidatu Power Plant, reaffirmed TANESCO's commitment to maintaining the plant's infrastructure to ensure consistent power generation.
He emphasized that these efforts align with the Sixth Phase Government’s agenda of fostering economic growth at both individual and national levels by securing a stable electricity supply.