The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening electricity infrastructure across the country as the Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a major 220kV power transmission line from Benaco to Kyaka, alongside the construction of a modern power substation at Benaco in Kagera Region.
The project, which is expected to cost over 270 billion shillings, is designed to connect Kagera Region to the National Grid, a development expected to transform electricity reliability and accelerate socio-economic activities in the region.
The ceremony was held on May 9, 2026, in Benaco, Ngara District, and brought together government leaders, officials from the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), contractors, and hundreds of local residents.
Speaking during the event, Minister Ndejembi said the government is determined to ensure that all citizens access reliable electricity as a foundation for industrial growth, investment, and improved livelihoods.
He explained that the project is part of a wider national strategy to strengthen transmission and distribution infrastructure so that electricity can reach households, villages, and economic centers without interruptions.
“This project shows the government’s commitment to ensuring reliable electricity reaches every citizen. Strong transmission infrastructure is key to expanding access and supporting development at all levels,” said Ndejembi.
He added that the 220kV transmission line represents a significant upgrade from the current 132kV line that supplies electricity from Uganda, noting that once completed, Kagera will be fully connected to Tanzania’s National Grid.
According to him, this will end long-standing challenges of power instability in the region and open new opportunities for investment, business growth, and improved public services.
The Minister further directed TANESCO to ensure that electricity shortages do not continue affecting residents during the construction period, instructing the utility to deploy additional transformers where necessary to stabilize supply.
He also urged contractors to work efficiently and complete the project within the 24-month timeline, while ensuring that local residents benefit through employment opportunities and fair compensation for all those affected by the project.
The Managing Director of TANESCO, Lazaro Twange, said the project has been allocated 105.6 million US dollars, equivalent to more than 279 billion shillings, and implementation has already started after contractors received advance payments.
He added that compensation for affected residents is ongoing, with over 1.7 billion shillings already disbursed in the first phase.
Twange said districts such as Karagwe, Misenyi, Muleba, Bukoba Rural, and Bukoba Municipality currently rely on electricity imported from Uganda through a 132kV line from Masaka to Kyaka. He noted that the new project will eliminate this dependency and significantly improve reliability and supply stability.
“This project will ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply, which is essential for economic growth and increased production in Kagera Region,” he said.
A member of the TANESCO Board, Zuhura Bundala, thanked the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing large energy infrastructure projects that directly impact citizens’ lives.
She said the project will create new opportunities for youth employment, improve business activities, and increase household incomes across the region.
“This investment will open doors for development, especially for young people, through jobs, business opportunities, and improved economic activities,” she said.
On his part, the District Commissioner of Ngara, Mathias Kahabi, who represented the Regional Commissioner, expressed appreciation to the government for expanding electricity access in the district.
He said all 75 villages in Ngara are now connected to electricity, while 219 out of 389 hamlets have already been electrified, a major step in improving living standards.
He added that electricity access has played a key role in improving education, health services, and small business growth in rural communities.
Closing the event, Minister Ndejembi said the government will continue investing in strategic energy projects to ensure that every region benefits from reliable and affordable electricity.
He said the Benaco–Kyaka transmission project marks a major step in transforming Kagera Region’s economy and improving the quality of life for its people.“This project is about real change for citizens. It will bring reliable electricity, support businesses, create jobs, and open up Kagera for more development opportunities,” he said.
