Residents and businesses in Newala District are expected to enjoy a more reliable electricity supply following the completion of a new 33-kilovolt transmission line linking Masasi and Newala, a project aimed at reducing power outages and supporting economic activity in southern Tanzania.
The 76-kilometre transmission line, built at a cost of TZS 4.56 billion, was officially commissioned on Tuesday by the Minister for Energy, Deogratius Ndejembi, who said the investment forms part of the government's efforts to strengthen the country's electricity infrastructure and expand access to dependable power.
Mr Ndejembi said reliable electricity remains essential for attracting investment, increasing productivity and improving public services, adding that the project would help unlock Newala's economic potential.
"This transmission line provides a stronger electricity network for Newala and will support business growth, industrial development and improved service delivery," he said.
He noted that the government would continue investing in electricity infrastructure in Mtwara and Lindi regions to ensure a stable power supply while strengthening their integration with the national grid.
Representing the Mtwara Regional Commissioner, Newala District Commissioner Mwangi Kundya said electricity access has expanded significantly across the region, with all 785 villages now connected to the power network.
He added that TANESCO has reinforced its operations in Mtwara by deploying 11 vehicles, four three-wheelers and nine motorcycles to improve maintenance and customer services.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy Eng. Felchesmi Mramba said electricity demand in Mtwara and Lindi has continued to rise, prompting increased government investment in generation and transmission infrastructure.
He said Mtwara currently generates more than 50 megawatts of electricity, helping meet growing demand from households, businesses and industries.
TANESCO Managing Director Lazaro Twange said the new transmission line addresses a longstanding challenge in Newala, which previously relied on electricity supplied from Mtwara through Nanyumbu over a 170-kilometre route.
"The long transmission distance made the district vulnerable to frequent power interruptions. The new line provides a shorter, more reliable supply route and significantly improves network stability," Mr Twange said.
He said the utility has also allocated TZS 5.27 billion for the construction of a switching station in Newala to strengthen the distribution network and accommodate future growth in electricity demand.
Newala Rural Member of Parliament Dr Yahaya Nawanda, speaking on behalf of legislators from Mtwara Region, welcomed the investment, saying improved electricity reliability would stimulate economic activities and enhance service delivery across the district.
