The Minister of Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, has given a contractor 14 days to return to the site and resume work on the 220-kilovolt (kV) electricity transmission project from Songea to Mahumbika, passing through Tunduru and Masasi.
The directive comes after concerns over slow progress by Kalpataru Projects International Limited, which is responsible for constructing substations in Tunduru, Masasi, and Mahumbika.
Speaking on March 7, 2026, in Tunduru District, Ruvuma Region, Minister Ndejembi warned that the contractor will not be awarded any new government projects until this one is completed, citing delays that violate the project contract.
The Minister also instructed the Energy Ministry’s Permanent Secretary to issue a formal warning letter to the contractor.
Officials had previously met with the company in Dodoma and agreed that work would resume within 25 days after payments owed to the contractor were settled in December 2025.
“Despite receiving payment, the contractor has not returned to the site or restarted work. This delay is unacceptable and affects the people who need electricity,” said Minister Ndejembi.
The project, which is expected to be completed within two years and handed over by the end of this year, has currently reached only about 50 percent completion.
Minister Ndejembi emphasized that the project is part of the government’s plan to connect southern regions—Ruvuma, Lindi, and Mtwara—to the national grid, ensuring reliable electricity supply for residents.
“The citizens of southern Tanzania deserve reliable electricity. The government has invested in this project, and delays like this are unacceptable,” he said. The Minister added that if the contractor continues to stall, stricter measures will be taken.