The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) has attributed intermittent power supply in Mbagala, Kigamboni, Mkuranga, and Kibiti to a fault in a 132-kilovolt underground transmission cable at Gongo la Mboto. The fault occurred on November 3, 2026, forcing the utility to transfer customers to an alternative transmission line with limited capacity. This arrangement has resulted in intermittent electricity supply, particularly during the day when demand is high.
Tanesco Deputy Managing Director for Electricity Transmission Zakaria Mgalama explained that technicians were working to repair the damaged underground cable. He noted that such faults generally take longer to fix than those involving overhead power lines. The repair period depends on the extent and location of the damage, particularly where cables run beneath infrastructure such as railway lines, which may require excavation.
According to Mr. Mgalama, problems involving underground cables are different from those affecting overhead infrastructure, which can be repaired within a few hours. He added that repairs involving damaged cable joints could take between five days and one week, depending on conditions at the affected site. The utility is managing supply by transferring customers to other substations where possible, with electricity availability improving at night when demand declines.
The damaged cable carries electricity from Gongo la Mboto substation to the Mbagala and Dege power distribution substations. Tanesco Director of Communications and Customer Service Irene Gowelle said the fault occurred unexpectedly, leaving the utility with no time to issue an advance notice to customers. However, emergency measures were taken to maintain supply through an alternative route.
The Government is implementing two major electricity transmission projects expected to strengthen power supply in southern Dar es Salaam and surrounding areas. The projects include a 400-kilovolt transmission line from Chalinze to Mkuranga and a 220-kilovolt line from Pugu to Dundani. These projects will increase transmission capacity and provide alternative supply routes, reducing the impact of faults on the existing network.
Mr. Mgalama said the repair works are in progress, and Tanesco will announce when repairs have been completed and normal electricity supply restored. The utility is working to minimize the impact of the fault on customers. The affected areas have experienced power outages, causing inconvenience to residents and businesses.
Tanesco has assured customers that it is working to restore normal electricity supply as soon as possible. The utility has apologized for the inconvenience caused by the power outages and is working to prevent similar faults in the future. The completion of the ongoing transmission projects is expected to enhance the reliability of the power supply in the region.
Key points
- Tanesco attributes power cuts in Dar es Salaam areas to a fault in a 132-kilovolt underground transmission cable.
- The repair period depends on the extent and location of the damage, particularly where cables run beneath infrastructure such as railway lines.
- The Government is implementing two major electricity transmission projects to strengthen power supply in southern Dar es Salaam and surrounding areas.
