The Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals has urged the government to secure funds for compensating citizens affected by the Ruhudji and Rumakali hydropower projects.
This compensation will allow the affected residents to vacate the areas and continue with their daily activities while the projects are underway.
David Mathayo, the committee's chairperson, emphasized, 'An assessment of the affected citizens has already been completed, and the costs of compensation are known.
The government now needs to find the funds to compensate these citizens so they can move forward with their lives while the projects are being implemented.'
The Ruhudji and Rumakali hydropower projects are expected to generate over 500 megawatts of electricity, which will be added to the national grid and significantly improve electricity supply across the country.
The committee also praised the Sixth Phase Government, led by President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for successfully bringing electricity to remote areas, as promised in the CCM election manifesto. Mathayo remarked, 'Many of these areas had never received electricity since independence.
Now, thanks to the government’s commitment, these communities are finally receiving power, which is a major achievement.'
The Rural Energy Agency (REA) and Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) were also recognized for their efforts in providing electricity to villages in the region, even in areas with limited infrastructure.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, expressed her gratitude, saying, 'The government has been dedicated to ensuring energy reaches every part of the country. We appreciate President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership in making this a reality.'
Kapinga also addressed the compensation issue, stating, 'The government has been compensating citizens affected by various development projects, including the Ruhudji and Rumakali projects, which are valued at 63 billion shillings. By 2030, our goal is for 75% of the population to have access to electricity and clean cooking energy.'
She further noted that the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project, which will produce 2,115 megawatts of electricity, is nearing completion.
'The government is actively seeking funds to begin the implementation of the Ruhudji and Rumakali projects,' she added.
Eng. Jones Olotu, Acting Director-General of REA, acknowledged the challenges of reaching the Lake Nyasa shoreline areas for rural electrification, due to poor infrastructure.
'We are working to find a specialized contractor for these areas and expect the project to be completed by June 2025,' he said.
TANESCO’s Acting Managing Director, Renata Ndege, highlighted the cost of the projects, stating, 'The Ruhudji and Rumakali projects will cost over 4 trillion shillings to implement.
Once completed, these projects will significantly increase electricity availability, support economic growth, create jobs, improve roads, and enhance social services throughout the country.'"