The Chalinze–Dodoma 400-kilovolt (kV) power transmission project, launched in November 2024, is behind schedule, prompting strong criticism from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko.
The project, which was expected to reach 31% completion by August 2025, has only achieved 24%, a seven-percentage-point shortfall.
During an inspection at Manchali Village in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region on August 20, 2025, Dr. Biteko expressed disappointment with the contractor, China’s TBEA, for failing to maintain the project timeline.
He emphasized that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had ordered that the project, crucial for Dodoma and several western regions, must not be delayed.
“The project was launched seven months ago. We expected it to reach 31% completion by now. Surprisingly, it is only at 24%, which is unacceptable,” Dr. Biteko said.
The minister dismissed the contractor’s explanations, which included delays caused by land disputes and rocky terrain.
He stressed that affected communities have the right to compensation, directing TANESCO to use internal funds to pay citizens fairly.
Dr. Biteko underlined the strategic importance of the 400 kV line. Currently, the Chalinze substation transmits only about 240 megawatts from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (JNHPP), equivalent to the output of a single unit out of nine.
The new line is critical for meeting rising electricity demand in Dodoma and for supplying power to western regions including Singida, Tabora, Shinyanga, Mara, and Kigoma.
To accelerate the project, Dr. Biteko ordered the contractor to submit a revised implementation plan within four days, including measures to make up lost time.
He also instructed an increase in the workforce to ensure the construction of all 917 towers along the 345-kilometre route.
The supervising engineer is tasked with closely monitoring progress and reporting any delays.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy will form a dedicated team to work with TANESCO to oversee the project, with weekly progress reports required.
Dr. Biteko also urged local communities not to obstruct construction, assuring them that compensation and other rights would be respected.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule, praised the project, saying it will establish Dodoma as a national electricity distribution hub.
TANESCO Managing Director, Lazaro Twange, explained that the project will transmit the full 2,115 MW generated at JNHPP into the national grid.
The government has allocated TZS 513 billion for the project, which is expected to be completed by June 2026.
