The Tanzanian government, through the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), is actively working to improve the country's electricity infrastructure to address the persistent challenges of power interruptions.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Judith Kapinga, emphasized the government's commitment to resolving this issue during a session in the National Assembly on April 10, 2025.
She explained that the frequent power outages in Handeni District are primarily caused by the deteriorating condition and extensive reach of the current electricity distribution network.
"The challenge of power interruptions in Handeni is due to the aging and extensive electricity distribution infrastructure. To address this, the government, through TANESCO, is rehabilitating the infrastructure, including replacing wooden poles with concrete ones," Kapinga stated.
Kapinga also provided updates on key projects designed to strengthen the electricity grid. She shared that the construction of the Mkata substation in Handeni is progressing through its initial stages, while the Kilindi substation in Tanga has reached 35% completion.
"The construction of the Kilindi substation has reached 35%, and the construction of the 132kV power line from Mkata, through Handeni to Kilindi, is 30% complete," Kapinga noted.
In response to concerns raised by Rashid Shangazi, Member of Parliament for Mlalo, about the urgency of completing these projects to improve electricity supply in Tanga Region, Kapinga assured that the Ministry of Finance has committed to ensuring timely payments to contractors.
"The Ministry of Finance has assured that contractors for these projects will be paid on time to ensure their timely completion," she said.
Addressing the issue of compensation delays, which had previously hindered progress on the Mkata-Kilindi power line, Kapinga confirmed that approximately TZS 2.63 billion has been allocated for compensation of residents affected by the construction.
"The compensation for residents along the Mkata-Kilindi power line route amounts to approximately TZS 2.63 billion, and the Ministry of Finance has assured the Ministry of Energy that these funds will be paid promptly," Kapinga explained.
She further clarified that compensation for those displaced by the Mkata substation project in Handeni has already been completed.
Kapinga also responded to questions about power challenges in other regions. Regarding Hanang’ District, she explained that the area is included in the second phase of the resilient grid project, which will see the construction of a substation to enhance electricity supply.
"Hanang’ is part of the second phase of the resilient grid project, which will include the construction of a substation to improve electricity access," Kapinga stated.
In Iringa, efforts are underway to upgrade the electricity infrastructure by replacing old poles and wires. Kapinga also highlighted the significance of the TAZA project, a large-scale electricity transmission initiative that will span from Iringa to Katavi.
"The TAZA project, which runs from Iringa to Katavi, will significantly improve electricity access in the entire corridor and connect Tanzania's grid with Zambia’s," she added.
These comprehensive efforts demonstrate the government’s dedication to improving the reliability and accessibility of electricity across the country.
