Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) has intensified inspections and maintenance of its electricity network ahead of the expected El Niño rains, seeking to limit power disruptions and reduce the risk of accidents caused by damaged infrastructure.
The utility is replacing damaged electricity poles, inspecting power lines, clearing trees that threaten the network and checking substations as part of preparations for possible heavy rains and flooding.
The measures are also being accompanied by a public safety campaign, with Tanesco warning residents against approaching fallen power lines or electrical infrastructure affected by water.
Tanesco Director of Communications and Customer Service Irene Gowelle said the utility was carrying out inspections and strengthening infrastructure in different parts of the country.
“Currently, Tanesco is continuing with inspections and strengthening of electricity infrastructure in various areas across the country, including replacing damaged poles with stronger ones, inspecting the condition of power lines and cutting trees that are close to or touching power lines,” Ms Gowelle said during an interview on Clouds Media’s 360 programme.
She said the utility was also inspecting substations and their surrounding areas to identify risks that could affect the safety and reliability of electricity supplies during the rainy season.
The preparations are particularly important in areas vulnerable to flooding, falling trees and damage to electricity infrastructure, which can expose residents to electrical hazards and interrupt power supplies.
Tanesco Occupational Health and Safety Manager Engineer Fred Kayega said residents should treat fallen electricity wires as dangerous, even when there appeared to be no visible sign of electricity.
“Water and metallic objects can facilitate the flow of electricity. We urge people not to touch fallen electricity wires, especially during rain or floods,” Eng Kayega said.
He advised residents to keep away from areas where power lines have fallen and immediately notify Tanesco so that its technicians can isolate the danger and take corrective measures.
The utility is also urging the public to report damaged or unstable electricity poles, hanging wires and trees touching power lines.
Early reporting, Tanesco said, would allow its teams to respond before the situation escalates into accidents, equipment damage or prolonged power outages.
The preparations come as Tanzania braces for potentially heavy rains associated with the El Niño weather pattern, putting additional pressure on infrastructure and increasing the need for preventive maintenance.
For households and businesses, the utility's warning is particularly relevant during floods, when water can increase the risk of electric shock around damaged infrastructure.
Tanesco said public cooperation would be critical to keeping the electricity network safe during the rainy season.