By The Respondent reporter
The Deputy Minister of Energy, Ms. Judith Kapinga, announced that the government is implementing a project to connect the Mtwara and Lindi regions to the national electricity grid, extending from Songea through Tunduru, Masasi, and Mahumbika.
Ms. Kapinga (pictured) made this announcement today, November 4, 2024, in Parliament in Dodoma, while responding to a question from Mr. Zuberi Kuchauka, the Member of Parliament for Liwale, regarding the construction of a power station in the Liwale constituency.
"The importance of building a power station in Liwale is clear because it will improve the availability of electricity in the area. I assure the Honorable Member that we are currently implementing a major project to extend the national grid to the mentioned regions," stated Ms. Kapinga.
In response to a question from Mr. Victor Kawawa, the Member of Parliament for Namtumbo, who inquired about compensation for residents affected by the national grid project, Ms. Kapinga emphasized that the directive from President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure compensation is being actively implemented. She urged residents to cooperate by vacating their land to facilitate timely project completion for the nation’s benefit.
When questioned by Ms. Leah Komanya, the Member of Parliament for Meatu, about the government’s plans to address power outages in the district, Ms. Kapinga explained that Meatu receives electricity from the Ibadakuli Power Station in Shinyanga, located 135 kilometers away. The outages are attributed to the long transmission line distance and aging power infrastructure.
To tackle these issues, the government is taking various measures, including installing power regulators along the existing line, constructing a new transmission line from Mkalama in Singida to Bukundi in Meatu, and replacing old wooden poles with concrete ones. "In the 2024/2025 financial year, the government has started building a new power station in Imalilo, Bariadi District, Simiyu Region, from where a power line will be constructed to Meatu," emphasized Ms. Kapinga.
Addressing another query from Mr. Robert Chacha, the Member of Parliament for Bunda Town, regarding the electrification of streets in the Bunda Town Council, Ms. Kapinga noted that the government, through the Rural Energy Agency (Rea), is implementing a project in fifteen villages.
Additionally, in response to Mr. Mwita Waitara, the Member of Parliament for Tarime Rural, who asked about the electrification of the Tarime Rural constituency, Ms. Kapinga confirmed that a project is underway in fifteen villages, with plans to electrify 4,000 villages across the country beginning in December this year. This initiative marks a significant step toward improving electricity access and infrastructure in Tanzania, fostering development and economic growth in underserved regions.