The Government has ordered a review of electricity distribution services provided by Mwenga Power in Mufindi North following complaints from residents over the reliability and quality of power supply.
Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba said on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, that the assessment by the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA), Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) and the Rural Energy Agency (REA) would determine whether electricity distribution in the area should be transferred to TANESCO.
The matter was raised in Parliament by Mufindi North MP Exaud Silaoneka Kigahe, who sought clarification on when the Government would change the current electricity distribution arrangement to allow Mwenga Power to concentrate on generation.
Ms Makamba said the Government had taken note of concerns raised by residents about the quality of services provided by Mwenga Power.
“The number one responsibility of the Ministry of Energy is to ensure that citizens have reliable electricity and receive timely information whenever challenges occur,” she said.
She explained that the issuance and regulation of electricity generation and distribution licences is legally mandated to EWURA under the Electricity Act, 2008.
As a result, any decision to change the existing distribution arrangement must follow the law and established licensing procedures.
However, Ms Makamba said the Government was not waiting for the concerns to escalate, noting that EWURA, TANESCO and REA had already begun a comprehensive assessment of the situation.
The review will establish whether the distribution arrangement can be changed without negatively affecting existing investments, while putting the interests of electricity consumers at the centre of the process.
“We will conduct the assessment quickly to ensure that citizens receive reliable electricity services that meet their needs,” Ms Makamba said.
The Deputy Minister also pledged to engage directly with residents in Mufindi North, saying she was ready to accompany MP Kigahe to the area after Parliament concludes its sessions.
She said the visit would allow her to listen to residents and gain first-hand information about the challenges affecting electricity services in the constituency.
The Government's approach signals a push to balance the protection of existing investments with the need to improve the quality, reliability and accountability of electricity services for consumers.
For residents of Mufindi North, the key issue remains uninterrupted and dependable electricity, particularly as reliable power is essential for households, businesses, health facilities, schools and other social and economic activities.