Thousands of residents and businesses in Kongwa, Gairo, Mpwapwa, Chamwino, and Kiteto districts are expected to benefit from a more stable and reliable electricity supply following the completion of major power infrastructure projects undertaken by the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO).
The projects, valued at more than TZS 10.5 billion, were officially inaugurated on Monday by the Minister for Energy, Mr Deogratius Ndejembi, in Mbande, Kongwa District.
The investment includes the construction of a power distribution switching station, installation of a 20 MVA Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) transformer, and a 92-kilometre 33-kilovolt transmission line linking the Zuzu Substation in Dodoma with Mbande.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr Ndejembi said the projects form part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure and ensure reliable power supply to support economic and social development.
He said the improvements reflect the Sixth Phase Government’s commitment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to expanding access to quality energy services across the country.
“Reliable electricity is critical for economic growth, industrial development, and improved social services. These projects will significantly enhance the stability of power supply in this region and create a more conducive environment for investment,” Mr Ndejembi said.
According to the minister, the upgraded network will reduce the impact of power disruptions that previously affected multiple districts whenever faults occurred along the distribution system, particularly during the rainy season.
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Ms Subira Mgalu, said the projects demonstrate the government’s continued commitment to addressing infrastructure challenges and improving service delivery.
She noted that frequent outages had long affected residents and businesses in the area, but recent investments in the energy sector were beginning to deliver tangible results.
“We are encouraged by the progress being made. Reliable electricity is not only improving the quality of life for citizens but also supporting economic activities and development initiatives,” she said.
Kongwa District Commissioner Mayeka Simon Mayeka urged local residents and investors to take advantage of the improved power supply by establishing businesses, agro-processing industries, and other productive ventures capable of generating employment and income.
For his part, TANESCO Managing Director Lazaro Twange said the completion of the projects marks a significant milestone in strengthening electricity distribution across the central corridor.
Mr Twange explained that Kongwa and neighbouring districts had for years relied on a single 33-kilovolt supply line from Dodoma City, a situation that increasingly strained the network as electricity demand grew.
“Previously, one distribution line served five districts. Rising demand and expanding economic activities created operational challenges that affected service reliability. Since these projects became operational, disruptions have fallen by more than 90 per cent,” he said.
He added that the new infrastructure provides greater flexibility in power distribution, improves voltage stability, and enhances the network’s ability to respond to faults without causing widespread outages.
The projects are expected to improve electricity reliability for households, businesses, public institutions, and emerging industries, while creating new opportunities for investment and economic growth in Kongwa, Gairo, Mpwapwa, Chamwino, and Kiteto districts.
