By The respondent Reporter - Katavi.
The Electricity Transmission and Distribution Construction and Maintenance Company (ETDCO) has announced the completion of a 132-kilovolt electricity transmission line that stretches from Tabora to Katavi Region, marking a major milestone in efforts to connect underserved areas to the national electricity grid.
Spanning 383 kilometres, the newly constructed line is now ready for integration after final testing was conducted at the Mpanda power substation in Katavi.
ETDCO’s Acting General Manager, CPA Sadock Mugendi, confirmed during a test run on Sunday that the project had reached full completion.
“We are proud to have delivered this strategic project on time. I wish to thank the Government and the Ministry of Energy, through TANESCO, for the trust and support extended to us throughout the implementation,” he said.
The infrastructure project, entirely funded by the Government of Tanzania at a cost of TZS 116 billion, is expected to significantly improve access to reliable electricity in Katavi, a region that previously relied on isolated power sources.
According to Engineer Dismas Massawe, ETDCO’s Acting Director of Technical Services, the budget covered the full construction of the transmission line from Tabora through Mpanda to Katavi.
“This initiative is part of the Government’s broader strategy to ensure all Tanzanians benefit from clean, safe and sustainable energy,” said Eng Massawe. “Access to reliable electricity is essential for regional economic development, social services, and industrial growth.”
With the completion of this line, Katavi joins other regions connected to the national grid, further advancing the country’s electrification agenda under the Ministry of Energy.