Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, announced that the government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), is progressing with efforts to bring electricity to small-scale mining areas, including salt production sites in Bagamoyo district.
She made this statement on April 8, 2025, while responding to a question from Bagamoyo MP, Muharami Shabani Mkenge, who inquired about when electricity would be provided to the Kitame area in the Makurunge ward to assist salt miners.
"As of March 2025, a total of 14 small-scale mining areas have been connected to electricity, including three salt mining areas in Kitame, Makurunge, where 34 salt miners have benefited from the service," Kapinga said.
She explained that efforts to provide electricity to the remaining salt miners would continue as funding becomes available.
"The government is committed to ensuring that all miners are reached with this vital service," she added.
Kapinga also highlighted other ongoing projects, including one aimed at bringing electricity to 411 water pumps, agricultural sites, and 605 mining areas.
"These projects are part of our broader efforts to improve rural energy access and support economic activities in remote areas," she noted.
In response to a question from Kibiti MP, Hon. Twaha Mpembenwe, who sought clarity on the government’s plan to bring electricity to Kitame village, Kapinga assured that electricity projects in various villages, including Kitame, were already underway.
"We are actively implementing electricity projects in multiple villages, and Kitame is among the prioritized areas," she affirmed.
Mpembenwe, on behalf of the residents of Kibiti, expressed their gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the over 3.8 billion shilling electricity projects in the constituency.
"We are deeply thankful to President Samia for this significant investment in Kibiti. It will transform the lives of our people," he said.
Kapinga conveyed the residents' appreciation, acknowledging the President's leadership in the energy sector.
"The government is receiving commendations for the progress being made in the energy sector, and President Samia’s vision is shaping the future of rural energy access," she remarked.
On the completion of the Uhuru power station in Urambo, Tabora, Kapinga confirmed that it was finalized on March 26, 2025.
"The Uhuru power station is now operational, and residents of Urambo, Kaliua, and surrounding areas are already benefiting from the electricity it provides," she said.
Finally, addressing a question from Kilombero MP, Abubakar Asenga, about the timeline for supplying electricity to 15 villages for each MP, Kapinga assured that the government had already appointed a contractor for the project in Kilombero, with work already underway.
"We are closely monitoring the progress, and we are confident that the work will continue at an accelerated pace," she stated.
