Government has committed TZS91 billion to expand electricity access to 570 villages across Morogoro Region, in a major investment aimed at accelerating rural development and improving livelihoods.
The Morogoro Regional Commissioner, Adam Malima, has officially received two contractors appointed by the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to implement the large-scale electrification project.
The contractors are Sagemcom Energy & Telecom SAS of Italy and China Railway No. 4 Engineering Group Co. Ltd of China.
Speaking during the introduction of the contractors, Mr Malima said the project reflects the Sixth Phase Government’s commitment to ensuring that all Tanzanians, particularly those in rural areas, have access to reliable electricity as a driver of economic and social development.
He said the energy sector has recorded significant progress over the past 15 years, especially in rural electrification.
Drawing from his experience as Deputy Minister for Energy in 2008, Mr Malima recalled that REA’s budget at the time stood at just TZS5 billion.
“Today, Morogoro Region alone is implementing electricity projects worth TZS91 billion. This demonstrates the government’s strong political will to ensure rural communities access electricity to improve their livelihoods and stimulate local economic growth,” he said.
REA Acting Director of Rural Electricity, Engineer Thomas Mmbaga, said the agency has formally commissioned the two contractors to distribute electricity to the 570 villages and connect more than 20,000 initial customers.
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He explained that Sagemcom Energy will implement the project in 325 villages, connecting 11,399 customers in Mvomero, Morogoro Rural and Gairo districts at a cost of Sh48.4 billion.
China Railway No. 4 Engineering Group will cover 245 villages, connecting 8,649 customers in Kilosa, Malinyi, Kilombero and Ulanga districts, with the project valued at TZS42.5 billion.
Engineer Mmbaga added that the overall implementation period for the Morogoro regional electrification project is three years.
TANESCO Morogoro Regional Manager, Engineer Zawadi Macha, said the utility is fully prepared to closely supervise the project to ensure it meets required technical standards and is delivered on schedule.
Meanwhile, Sagemcom Energy Project Manager Calvin Manase said the company has extensive experience in power infrastructure development and is confident of completing the works within 34 months, despite the contract allowing 36 months.
He added that the company will prioritise the employment of local residents from project areas to ensure communities benefit directly during implementation.
Mr Manase also commended REA for providing advance payments to contractors, saying the move will help ease challenges related to the timely procurement of construction materials.
Once completed, the project is expected to boost economic activity, improve access to social services and enhance the quality of life for thousands of rural residents across Morogoro Region.