The government is stepping up investment in electricity infrastructure in Igunga District, with completed projects expected to improve power reliability while laying the groundwork for a proposed substation in the area.
Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba told Parliament on Thursday that the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) had completed construction of a 41-kilometre, 33-kilovolt power line linking Lusu substation to Ziba.
The utility has also completed a switching station at Ziba, an investment the government says is already helping improve electricity distribution across parts of Igunga.
Ms Makamba was responding to Manonga MP Abubakar Alli Omari, who asked when construction of the proposed Ziba substation would begin, citing a commitment made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during the 2025 General Election campaign.
“The construction of the switching station at Ziba has been completed and has continued to help improve electricity availability and distribution in various areas of Igunga District,” Ms Makamba said.
She said the government was not stopping at the completed projects, adding that Tanesco was preparing to undertake a preliminary pre-feasibility study for the proposed Igunga substation.
The study is expected to assess the technical and economic requirements of the project and guide decisions on its implementation.
For residents and businesses in Igunga, improved electricity infrastructure could help reduce supply interruptions and provide a more reliable foundation for economic activities, including small businesses, agro-processing and other productive activities that depend on dependable power.
The projects form part of the government’s wider efforts to strengthen the national electricity network and improve the reliability of supply as demand for power grows.