The Tanzanian government will embark on an electricity generation project that will see three regions connected to 400 KV electricity lines. The lines will be from Mbeya region and the government is scheduling to kick off in November this year.
The ambitious project will encompass four towns namely Sumbawanga in Rukwa region, Mpanda in Katavi region, Kigoma and Nyakanazi in Kagera region. It aims to electrify more than 7,873 villages in rural Tanzania over the next 5 years.
Completion date
Confirming the reports, the Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, says that the project will be complete in July 2019.
Dr. Kalemani revealed this after inaugurating a major project of rural electrification Phase III (REA) in Rukwa region. “Rukwa region gets its supply of electricity from fuel and a little of power from neighbouring Zambia, which is not reliable.
However, the accomplishment of the 400 KV project will make power interruptions in the region history,” he said. He further confirmed that the exercise of connecting electricity through REA Phase III in the remaining 140 villages in the region will take off in March 2019.
Mini-grid and off-grid options
To sum it up, the mini-grid and off-grid options will serve rural areas better. Most of which will serve through renewable options such as solar, wind and geothermal; this is according to the African Development Bank.
Moreover, the government’s intention to make Tanzania an industrialized economy would not be possible without reliable electricity. This initiative will connect all Tanzanians in rural areas to the national grid in the next three years.
Currently, US$353m has been invested in each region to ensure there is reliable power both in rural and urban areas.
About REA
In conclusion, Rural Energy Agency (REA) is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Energy and Minerals of the United Republic of Tanzania. Its main role is to promote and facilitate improved access to modern energy services in rural areas of Mainland Tanzania.