Residents of Rukwa Region are set to receive electricity from the national grid by May this year, following the completion of the 400 kV power transmission line from Iringa Region, Deputy Minister of Energy, Salome Makamba, has announced.
Salome made the disclosure in Laela town, Sumbawanga District, during the visit of Prime Minister, Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba, which began yesterday in Rukwa.
“Under the directives of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and following your guidance, we are committed to ensuring that by May 2026, electricity will reach Rukwa through the TAZA project.
The project is progressing well, and if all goes according to plan, residents of this region will finally enjoy grid electricity in the fifth month of this year,” Salome said.
Currently, Rukwa receives electricity from Zambia through the Southern Africa Power Pool, a regional power trading arrangement that allows member countries to buy or sell electricity to meet local demand.
Salome emphasized that with sufficient national electricity supply, efforts are focused on constructing reliable transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure electricity reaches more residents efficiently.
On clean cooking energy, he highlighted ongoing initiatives to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians have access to clean cooking solutions by 2034.
This includes the distribution of energy-efficient stoves and subsidized gas cylinders to households.
The electrification of Rukwa is expected to spur economic growth, improve access to modern services, and enhance the quality of life for thousands of residents in the region.
