By The Respondent reporter
Dodoma – Deputy Minister for Energy, Ms. Judith Kapinga, on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, has instructed Tanesco’s Managing Director, Engineer Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, to assess and adjust areas within villages that are currently charged urban rates for electricity connections. This measure will allow eligible village residents to pay the appropriate rural rate of Sh 27,000.
The directive was given today, November 5, 2024, in Parliament, as Ms. Kapinga responded to a question from Bukoba Rural MP, Mr. Samsung Rweikiza, who raised concerns over rural residents being charged more than Sh 27,000 for electricity connections.
"In certain village areas, residents are being charged Sh 321,000. I am directing the Tanesco Managing Director to review these areas," emphasized Ms. Kapinga.
Addressing the government’s efforts to extend electricity to unconnected hamlets in Bukoba Rural, Ms. Kapinga noted that 258 out of 515 hamlets have been electrified, with work continuing on connecting the remaining 27 hamlets through the Ujazilizi 2B projects and the Second Phase of the Hamlet Electrification Project (HEP IIA).
In response to Kilimanjaro Region Special Seats MP, Ms. Kunti Msangi, who inquired about solutions to the low electricity supply in Kigamboni, Ms. Kapinga shared that upgrades are underway at the Mbagala power receiving and distribution station, including the installation of a 120 MVA transformer.
This upgrade is expected to improve the electricity supply in Kigamboni, Mbagala, and surrounding coastal areas. "The transformer has already arrived, and the contractor is on-site. The Sixth Phase Government is making every effort to ensure reliable electricity for all citizens," assured Ms. Kapinga.
Additionally, Nanyumbu MP, Mr. Ally Mhata, sought information on compensation for Nanyumbu residents affected by the construction of a national grid power line. Ms. Kapinga clarified that 689 residents in Nanyumbu District are clearing the way for a 220-kilovolt power transmission line from Tunduru to Masasi.
Compensation for affected residents is ongoing, with a total of Sh 1.95 billion earmarked for disbursement. She affirmed that the government is working to secure these funds and will ensure timely payment once they are available.
Speaking on broader electrification efforts, Ms. Kapinga emphasized that the government remains committed to advancing electrification projects in hamlets across the country, recognizing it as a gradual but vital process in bringing electricity to all Tanzanian communities.