By The Respondents reporter
MOROGORO, Tanzania, Aug. 5 — Tanzania's state-owned power utility, TANESCO, said on Wednesday it had successfully completed the first phase of conductor stringing for the 400-kilovolt Chalinze–Dodoma transmission line, marking a major milestone in one of the country's strategic electricity infrastructure projects.
The work, carried out in Mkambarani, Morogoro Region, forms part of the final stage of constructing the high-voltage transmission line designed to strengthen the national grid and improve electricity reliability across the country.
Speaking to reporters at the project site, Acting Director of Communications and Customer Service Irene Gowelle said the six-day operation was completed on schedule, allowing electricity supply to be fully restored in all areas affected by the planned outages.
"The work has been completed successfully and within the planned timeframe. Electricity service has now returned to normal, and we thank our customers for their patience and cooperation throughout the exercise," Gowelle said.
She said the project would significantly enhance the capacity and stability of Tanzania's national electricity grid, enabling more reliable power transmission to households, businesses and industries while supporting the country's broader economic development.
Gowelle also announced that the second phase of conductor stringing will take place between Aug. 11 and Aug. 14 in the Kikombo and Mkonze areas of Dodoma Region. Temporary power interruptions will be required to ensure the work is carried out safely, with detailed outage schedules to be communicated in advance.
Project Manager Newton Mwakifwamba said the first phase involved stringing conductors across the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), the 220kV Morogoro I and Morogoro II transmission lines, and an existing 132kV line, all of which were completed successfully.
"The importance of this project lies in increasing the transmission capacity of the existing network. Once completed, the 400kV Chalinze–Dodoma transmission line will strengthen the national grid and improve the reliability of electricity supply across the country," Mwakifwamba said.
The Chalinze–Dodoma 400kV transmission project is now 94% complete and is expected to be commissioned on Aug. 21, 2026. Once operational, it is expected to significantly boost Tanzania's power transmission capacity and improve the delivery of reliable electricity to consumers nationwide.
