Residents along the Lake Nyasa shoreline in Ludewa District, Njombe Region, are set for improved livelihoods and better social services following the government’s move to extend electricity to remote villages through the Rural Energy Agency.
A total of Sh3.2 billion has been allocated to complete ongoing rural electrification projects in the district, a development expected to accelerate economic growth and transform key sectors including fishing, health and education.
The progress was revealed during an inspection tour by the Rural Energy Board, which is overseeing implementation of the projects across Njombe Region.
At Lumbila Primary School, Assistant Head Teacher John Mwasoso said the arrival of electricity is already changing preparations for teaching and learning.
The school has started wiring classrooms and teachers’ houses in readiness for connection, a step he said will improve the learning environment and support modern teaching methods.
For communities whose livelihoods depend on fishing in Lake Nyasa, electricity is seen as a game changer.
Mabatini resident Augustino Madesu said access to power will allow fishermen to store their catch in freezers, reducing post-harvest losses and protecting them from being forced to sell fish at throwaway prices during periods of high supply.
Healthcare delivery is also expected to improve. Nkanda Dispensary in-charge Timotheo Nkwabi said electricity will end the challenge of attending patients in darkness at night and enable the facility to adopt digital systems for storing patient records and managing medicines.
REB Director General, Engineer Ahmed Chinemba, said the government is prioritising public institutions to ensure the benefits of electricity are realised quickly.
He urged residents to install wiring in their homes and buildings so they can be connected as soon as power reaches their areas.
Acting REA Projects Supervising Manager, Engineer Deogratius Nagu, said the number of beneficiaries has been increased to match rising demand, ensuring more households are connected before project completion.
Once completed, the project is expected to stimulate small businesses, create jobs for youth and improve security and social wellbeing in the lakeside communities, marking a significant milestone in expanding access to reliable energy in rural Tanzania.
