By Alfred Zacharia
The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has embarked on a significant project aimed at improving power distribution and enhancing the quality of electricity in the rapidly growing Kigamboni District of Dar es Salaam.
This initiative, known as the Umeme Bora Kigamboni (Better Electricity for Kigamboni), is a response to the persistent power outages that have plagued the region. These interruptions have been primarily due to the increasing demand for electricity, coupled with the aging infrastructure, which has struggled to meet the needs of the growing population.
The project is designed to address these challenges and provide a reliable power supply to both residents and businesses in the area.
The project involves the implementation of 35 Voltage Improvement Projects (VIPs), which aim to stabilize and enhance the voltage levels in the district, ensuring a more consistent and reliable power supply.
In addition to these improvements, the project includes major repairs on eight power distribution feeders, which will further boost the efficiency and reliability of the electricity distribution network.
The upgrades are expected to be completed alongside essential maintenance work on the distribution system, ensuring that the region’s power infrastructure can cope with the rising demand.
At one of the locations where the project is underway, Mr. Sultan Mbebe, the Chairperson of Kifurukwe Ward, expressed his appreciation to the government and TANESCO for initiating such a vital project.
He highlighted the importance of reliable electricity for the residents of Kigamboni, noting that the project would help alleviate the ongoing challenges caused by frequent power cuts.
"We are thankful to the government and TANESCO for starting this important project. It will help address the power issues we have been experiencing, ensuring reliable electricity for our community," Mbebe stated.
His words reflect the relief that the local population feels, as reliable power supply is a key factor in improving the quality of life and supporting local businesses.
The District Administrative Secretary for Kigamboni, Ms. Upendo Mahalu, also praised TANESCO for the efforts to improve the district’s electricity infrastructure.
She noted that the project would not only enhance the daily lives of the residents but also contribute to the overall economic development of the area.
"I commend the Ministry of Energy and TANESCO for coming up with this vital project to improve the electricity infrastructure. I urge the public to be patient during this transitional period as TANESCO carries out these improvements," Mahalu advised.
Her message reflects the importance of community cooperation, as residents may experience some temporary disruptions to their power supply during the construction and upgrade phase.
TANESCO’s Acting Director of Communications and Customer Services, Ms. Irene Gowelle, emphasized the importance of this initiative in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the electricity supply in Kigamboni.
She acknowledged that during the implementation of the project, there might be occasional service interruptions in certain areas at different times.
However, she reassured the public that these disruptions would be brief and necessary for the completion of the upgrades.
"This project is crucial in improving the power supply for our clients. During the implementation phase, there may be occasional service interruptions in certain areas at different times. We kindly ask our customers for their patience as we work to complete these necessary improvements," Gowelle said.
The project is being closely monitored by the Deputy Director of Power Distribution, Mr. Athanasius Nangali, who is working alongside key figures from TANESCO, including the Directors of the Eastern and Southern Highlands Zones, Mr. Kenneth Boymanda and Mr. Sotco Nombo, as well as the Kigamboni Region Manager, Mr. Paschal Luhwavi.
Together, they are ensuring that the project is implemented efficiently and that the residents of Kigamboni benefit from a more reliable and stable electricity supply.
Kigamboni, one of the fastest-growing districts in Dar es Salaam, faces a growing demand for electricity as its population expands and urbanizes.
The Umeme Bora Kigamboni project is a crucial step in meeting this demand and ensuring that the region’s power infrastructure can support its continued growth.
With the completion of this initiative, the residents of Kigamboni can look forward to a future where power outages are less frequent, and access to electricity becomes more reliable. As the project progresses, it promises to bring about lasting improvements in the district’s energy landscape, contributing to the overall development of the region.