Reliable electricity is set to transform livelihoods in Mpale Ward after the Rural Energy Agency (REA) completed and handed over a national grid project to the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) for distribution.
The project, commissioned on May 6, 2026, connects five hamlets Ubiri, Kwemuhoyo, Milongwe, Kweulasi and Kwemhole marking a major milestone in the government’s push to expand energy access in rural areas.
Korogwe District Commissioner William Mwakilema said the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to ensuring citizens access modern energy services to stimulate economic and social development.
Representing the Tanga Regional Commissioner at the event, Mwakilema praised REA for delivering the project and said the arrival of grid electricity would unlock opportunities for small businesses, agro-processing and improved social services.
The Rural Energy Board (REB) Chairperson, Ambassador Major General (rtd) Jacob Kingu, credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan for supporting the project, describing it as a lasting solution to electricity challenges in the area.
He urged residents to take full advantage of the reliable power supply by investing in income-generating activities and adopting clean cooking energy to protect the environment.
REA’s Director of Rural Electrification, Engineer Jones Olotu, said the project aligns with the government’s strategy to extend dependable electricity to underserved communities.
He noted that Mpale previously depended on solar mini-grid power supplied by Watu na Umeme Ltd since 2017, but increasing demand necessitated a shift to the national grid to support higher consumption, including industrial use.
Watu na Umeme Ltd Chief Executive Officer, Dr Prosper Magali, said the initial solar project, launched in 2014, served 254 households but had become insufficient due to rising demand.
He commended REA for the collaboration that enabled a smooth transition to grid electricity, expressing confidence that TANESCO will enhance service delivery.
For residents of Mpale, the project signals a new phase of development, with reliable electricity expected to boost local economies, improve services and raise living standards.
