Our Respondents reporter, Dodoma.
The head of Tanzania's state-owned electricity utility has called on regional managers to intensify efforts to combat the theft of power infrastructure, warning that the crime is undermining service delivery and damaging the company's image.
Speaking at the opening of the annual meeting of managers and zonal directors of the state-run electricity supplier, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), Managing Director Lazaro Twange said the protection of utility assets must become a top priority across the country.
"We are often commended for providing quality services to citizens. We must now increase our efforts to protect the company's assets and eliminate the challenge of electricity equipment theft," Twange said during the meeting in Dodoma on Tuesday.
The gathering, which brings together TANESCO managers from across the country and executives from the utility's subsidiary companies, is focused on reviewing the company's performance and discussing issues affecting electricity distribution and service delivery.
Twange also urged managers to become more innovative in revenue collection, saying the utility's ability to expand and improve services depends heavily on the funds it generates.
"Many of the activities we undertake to serve citizens rely on the revenues we collect. There is a need to strengthen innovation in revenue mobilisation," he said.
TANESCO has in recent years invested heavily in expanding electricity access and improving the reliability of power supplies, with the government prioritising energy infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth.
The utility's regional managers said the annual meeting provides an opportunity to assess progress and align strategies for improving services.
Manyara Regional Manager Regina Mvungi said the forum plays an important role in evaluating the implementation of the company's strategic plan, while Ruvuma Regional Manager Eliseus Mhelela said managers were committed to implementing the directives issued by the managing director.
The meeting, which began on June 24, is scheduled to conclude on June 26.
