Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, has toured the Electrical Transmission and Distribution Construction and Maintenance Company Limited (ETDCO) pavilion at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), where he received an update on power infrastructure projects worth more than Sh188 billion that are expected to expand electricity access and strengthen the national grid.
During the visit on Monday, the minister was briefed by ETDCO engineers on the company's role in implementing strategic electricity transmission and rural electrification projects across the country.
ETDCO Electrical Engineer Aron Julius Munuo said the state-owned company is currently constructing a 280-kilometre, 132-kilovolt transmission line linking Tabora and Kigoma at a cost of Sh93 billion.
He said the project is among key investments aimed at improving the reliability of electricity supply while supporting industrialisation and economic activities in western Tanzania.
Mr Munuo said ETDCO is also preparing to implement Rural Energy Agency (REA) projects that will extend electricity to hundreds of unserved hamlets in Ruvuma and Katavi regions.
In Ruvuma, the Sh37.9 billion project will cover Nyasa and Mbinga districts and is expected to connect 372 hamlets to the national electricity network.
Another Sh57.3 billion project will be implemented in Katavi, covering Mlele, Tanganyika and Mpanda districts, with 358 hamlets set to benefit from improved electricity access.
The projects underscore ETDCO's growing role in delivering critical power infrastructure as Tanzania continues to invest in expanding electricity transmission and distribution networks to support economic growth and improve access to energy in rural communities.
During the visit, Dr Nyansaho also toured the company's exhibition and was presented with a commemorative gift by ETDCO Public Relations Officer Samia Chande.
This year's Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair is being held under the theme, "Sabasaba International Trade Fair: Tanzania's Pride," marking the 50th anniversary of one of the country's largest trade and investment exhibitions.
