Councillors from Mpanda and Nsimbo districts in Katavi Region have described the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) as a transformative national investment after touring the facility and witnessing its operations and contribution to Tanzania's electricity supply.
The delegation, comprising 22 councillors, Members of Parliament and other regional leaders, visited the hydropower station on June 20, 2026, to gain firsthand insight into one of the country's largest infrastructure projects and its role in supporting economic growth through reliable energy generation.
The visit offered the leaders an opportunity to observe the project's extensive infrastructure, learn about its electricity generation processes and understand its contribution to strengthening Tanzania's energy security.
Speaking after the tour, Mpanda Municipal Mayor Charles Philipo said the visit had provided local leaders with a deeper understanding of the government's efforts to expand electricity access and address energy challenges across the country.
He noted that seeing the facility in operation helped demonstrate the scale of investment being directed toward ensuring a stable power supply for households, businesses and industries.
Nsimbo Member of Parliament Anna Mpembe said the project stands out as one of Tanzania's most significant infrastructure developments, reflecting the country's long-term commitment to securing sufficient energy for national development.
According to her, the tour allowed leaders to appreciate the engineering achievement behind the facility and its potential to support industrialisation and economic transformation.
The project's growing impact is already being felt in regions such as Katavi, where expanded access to electricity has opened up opportunities for businesses, social services and community development.
CCM Mpanda District Chairperson Joseph Lwamba said electricity connectivity has continued to improve in many parts of the district, enabling residents to engage in productive economic activities and improve their livelihoods.
Katavi Regional Transmission Engineer Victor Ngw'igulu said the visit was organised to help leaders gain a better understanding of the progress being made in the energy sector and to equip them with accurate information to share with the communities they represent.
He said the leaders were able to observe how the hydropower project contributes to the national grid and supports broader economic activities across the country.
Acting Director of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, Engineer Elinainyi Kalalu, said public visits play an important role in increasing awareness about major national investments and their contribution to development.
He explained that the delegation was taken through different sections of the facility, where they received detailed briefings on the infrastructure and technology used in electricity production.
Kalalu said such engagements help strengthen public understanding of how strategic energy investments support economic growth, industrial development and improved living standards.
The visit underscored the growing significance of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project as a key pillar of Tanzania's energy future.
For the leaders from Katavi, the tour provided not only a closer look at one of the country's flagship projects but also a clearer picture of how reliable electricity continues to drive development, create opportunities and support the nation's long-term economic ambitions.
