Tanzania’s second phase of its rural electrification programme is expected to boost economic activity, industry, and trade across the country, officials said on Sunday, as the government launched a major power rollout in the northern region of Shinyanga.
Shinyanga Regional Commissioner Mboni Mhita said the Hamlets Electrification Project Phase 2B (HEP 2B) will connect about 290,300 initial customers in 25 regions on the mainland, helping to stimulate economic growth and increase national income.
Speaking at the introduction of contractor Derm Group Ltd, which will implement the project in 581 hamlets in Shinyanga for 60.9 billion Tanzanian shillings ($24 million), Mhita said the project will enable residents to expand business activities and establish industries.
“I have been informed that HEP 2B will connect about 20,421 customers in this region. This will drive development by enabling people to engage in various economic activities, including opening industries and businesses,” Mhita said.
He urged the contractor to complete the project on schedule so that residents can begin benefiting from reliable electricity access.
Robert Dulle, Western Zone Projects Supervisor at the Rural Energy Agency (REA), said Shinyanga has 509 villages, all of which are already connected to electricity, while 2,704 hamlets currently have power and 1,205 remain unconnected.
Under the HEP 2B project, he said, electricity will be extended to 581 hamlets at a cost of 60.9 billion shillings, leaving only 918 hamlets without power coverage.
Derm Group (T) Ltd manager Musa Abdallah thanked the government, through REA, for the opportunity to implement the project and pledged to complete the works within the agreed timeframe, describing the project as a key driver of economic growth in the region.