An investment of about TZS 50 billion in the Mpomvu Power Receiving and Distribution Substation in Geita Region has strengthened electricity supply in Tanzania’s Lake Zone, supporting mining operations and other growing economic activities.
Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals inspected the Mpomvu power receiving and cooling station on March 15, 2026 as part of their oversight role to assess the implementation of strategic energy projects aimed at improving electricity access in the country.
Speaking during the visit, committee chairperson Subira Mgallu said the inspection was intended to review the progress of energy projects and ensure that government investments deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
She said the committee was satisfied with the investment made at the facility, noting that the project plays an important role in ensuring reliable electricity supply for residents and economic activities in the region.
“As the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, we have the responsibility to oversee the Ministry of Energy to ensure it fully performs its duties. We are satisfied with the investment made in this facility, which contributes significantly to ensuring reliable electricity supply for citizens and economic activities,” she said.
The Mpomvu substation has the capacity to receive and distribute about 90 megawatts of electricity. Efforts are also underway to further improve power distribution infrastructure, including plans to establish a dedicated electricity line for the Geita Gold Mine (GGM).
Mgallu said electricity demand at the mine is expected to increase to about 70 megawatts by 2035, up from the current 36 megawatts, highlighting the need to continue strengthening electricity infrastructure to meet future demand.
Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba said the government is continuing to improve electricity infrastructure in Geita Region due to the rapid growth of economic and social activities, particularly in the mining sector.
She noted that the Mpomvu substation has played a significant role in strengthening electricity supply not only in Geita Region but also in neighbouring areas including Biharamulo and Ngara districts in Kagera Region, Sengerema in Mwanza Region and Kakonko in Kigoma Region.
Makamba said the project, which cost about TZS 50 billion, has increased electricity distribution capacity in the region, where current power demand has reached 73.64 megawatts.
Before the construction of the Mpomvu substation, Geita Region depended on electricity supplied from Shinyanga Region with a capacity of only about four megawatts, which was insufficient to meet growing demand driven by expanding economic activities, especially mining.
Construction of the Mpomvu power receiving and distribution station began in 2019 and was completed in 2020 before it was officially inaugurated in 2022 by Samia Suluhu Hassan as part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen energy infrastructure and support economic growth in the Lake Zone.
