The Tanzanian government is implementing 220-kilovolt power transmission projects to connect Lindi and Mtwara regions to the National Electricity Grid. Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, provided an update on the projects, which involve constructing power transmission lines from Songea to Tunduru, Tunduru to Masasi, and Masasi to Mahumbika. The projects aim to improve electricity supply reliability and facilitate the connection of Lindi and Mtwara regions to the national grid.
The projects include constructing 220/33kV substations with a capacity of 120 megavolt-amperes in Tunduru and Masasi. According to Deputy Minister Makamba, the construction of the Songea-Tunduru transmission line has reached 51.6 per cent completion and is expected to be finished in September 2027. The Tunduru-Masasi project has reached 34 per cent completion and is scheduled for completion in October 2027.
The government is also working on the Masasi-Mahumbika project, which involves valuing properties belonging to residents affected by the construction and compensating those whose properties will be affected. More than 2.4 billion Tanzanian shillings have already been paid to affected residents during the first phase of compensation. The valuation and compensation process is crucial to ensuring that residents are fairly compensated for any losses incurred during the project implementation.
The 220kV power transmission projects are a significant step towards enhancing the reliability of electricity supply in Lindi and Mtwara regions. Once completed, the projects will enable the regions to access electricity from the national grid, promoting economic growth and development. The projects are also expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of residents in the regions.
Deputy Minister Makamba provided the update in response to a question from Special Seats Member of Parliament Kijakazi Yunus Mohamed, who sought to know the government's plans to connect the Southern regions, particularly Lindi, to the national grid. The government is committed to implementing projects that will improve the lives of Tanzanians and promote economic development.
The implementation of the 220kV power transmission projects is a significant achievement for the Tanzanian government, which has prioritized improving electricity supply in the country. The projects demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing the energy needs of its citizens and promoting economic growth. The projects are expected to be completed within the scheduled timeframe, and the government is working to ensure their successful implementation.
The connection of Lindi and Mtwara regions to the national grid is expected to have a positive impact on the economy and improve the livelihoods of residents. The projects will enhance the reliability of electricity supply, promote economic growth, and provide access to electricity for residents and businesses in the regions. The government is working to ensure that the benefits of the projects are equitably distributed and that residents are fairly compensated for any losses incurred during implementation.
Key points
- The Tanzanian government is implementing 220kV power transmission projects to connect Lindi and Mtwara regions to the national grid.
- The projects involve constructing power transmission lines and substations to improve electricity supply reliability.
- The projects are expected to be completed in 2027 and will have a positive impact on the economy and livelihoods of residents.
