The Kidahwe substation project, which is 87% complete, will link Kigoma to the national grid via the Nyakanazi substation. Photo: Courtesy
By The Respondent Reporter
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has directed the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) to expedite electricity projects aimed at connecting the Kigoma region to the national grid by the end of this year. The objective is to phase out the region’s reliance on thermal electricity, which has been costly and inefficient.
During a ceremony held on September 19, 2024, in Kigoma, Dr. Biteko laid the foundation stones for several key projects, including the 49.5 MW Malagarasi hydropower project, a 132 kV power transmission line from Igamba to Kidahwe, and a 400/220/132/33 kV substation at Kidahwe.
He emphasized the government's substantial financial burden, revealing that Sh 35 billion is spent annually on fuel to power generators, while revenue collections amount to only Sh 16 billion. This imbalance has led to significant losses for Tanesco. Dr. Biteko also indicated that diesel generators would be phased out in other regions not yet connected to the grid.
The connection of Kigoma to the national grid marks a historical moment, as the region will now enjoy reliable electricity from multiple sources. Power will come from a 400 kV line from Nyakanazi, 220 kV lines from Malagarasi and Katavi, and a 132 kV line from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam. Dr. Biteko expressed his appreciation to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating over Sh 1.2 trillion in the 2024/2025 financial year for energy projects in the region.
He stated that with the arrival of grid electricity, Kigoma is shedding its historical label as a peripheral region and emerging as a center for development. He further announced that all villages in the region would receive electricity by the end of the year.
In a gesture of support for local development, Dr. Biteko donated 500 bags of cement to assist in the construction of a health center in Kidahwe and pledged government support for the construction of another health facility.
In Igamba, where the Malagarasi project is under construction, additional infrastructure development plans were revealed, including the construction of a 20-kilometer tarmac road. Dr. Biteko commended Tanesco for its improved operational performance and urged the organization to maintain its momentum in delivering electricity to underserved communities. He also urged citizens to vote for capable leaders in the upcoming local government elections, rather than being swayed by financial incentives.
Deputy Minister in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-REALG), Zainabu Katimba, highlighted that the Kigoma region has received Sh 11.5 trillion for development projects during President Samia’s leadership, including over Sh 1 trillion for the energy sector.
She emphasized the importance of electricity in supporting essential services, particularly in schools, healthcare centers, and hospitals equipped with modern neonatal equipment, which require reliable power.
Katimba also praised Dr. Biteko and the Ministry of Energy for their strategic and technical efforts to improve Tanzania’s energy sector. She encouraged citizens to participate in the voter registration exercise for local government elections, scheduled to take place from September 11 to 20, 2024.
Kigoma Regional Commissioner, CGF (Retired) Thobias Andengenye, expressed his gratitude to President Samia for fulfilling her promise to open up Kigoma as an economic hub. He noted that the region has received Sh 11.5 trillion to implement various projects, including those related to electricity. Andengenye pledged that the region would ensure that these funds are used effectively to meet development goals.
Energy Ministry Permanent Secretary, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, hailed the connection of Kigoma to the national grid as a historic moment. He explained that Kigoma, once known for its unreliable power supply, is now linked to the grid through seven different power lines, including a 400 kV line from Nyakanazi, another 400 kV line from Katavi, a 220 kV line from the SGR, and a 132 kV line from Malagarasi. Mramba highlighted that Kigoma is now set to become a key electricity distribution center for Tanzania.
Tanesco Managing Director, Engineer Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, explained that the Malagarasi power project aims to improve electricity access in western Tanzania, particularly in Kigoma, to support economic growth in the region. The project will increase the capacity of the national grid, enabling regional power trade with neighboring countries through the Southern and Eastern Africa power pools. The project is also expected to create over 700 jobs.
The total cost of the Malagarasi project is USD 144.14 million (approximately Sh 398 billion), with USD 4.14 million provided by the Tanzanian government and USD 140 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The main contractors include Dongfang Electric International Corporation from China for the dam and power station, and Shyama Power India Limited for the 132 kV transmission line from Igamba to Kidahwe. The project will supply electricity to seven villages and connect 750 households.
As well, the Kidahwe substation project, which is 87% complete, will link Kigoma to the national grid via the Nyakanazi substation. The project contractor is the Sean & Hyusong Consortium from South Korea.
The Vice-Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Kirumbe Ng'enda, expressed appreciation for the significant financial investment in energy projects, noting their transformative impact on the nation's growth. He emphasized the importance of key projects such as the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), Malagarasi, and the development of natural gas.
AfDB representative Mohamed Sauko thanked President Samia for the continued collaboration between the Tanzanian government and the bank on various infrastructure projects, including railways, electricity, and roads. He also urged the government to explore power trade opportunities with neighboring Burundi.