- Tanzania has announced the commencement of construction of the Tabora- Katavi power transmission project.
- Tanzanian President, Hon John Magufuli, made the announcement after laying the foundation stone for the construction of the power line at Kampuni Village in Mpanda District, Katavi region this past week.
- The project is expected to cost around US 59 million.
The 132kV Tabora- Katavi transmission line will run 138 kilometres from Tabora to Mpanda. The new line will deliver 130 MW power capacity to the region. The project will also solve frequent power outages as the delivered power will exceed demand.
President Magufuli explained that in the past power outages were normal in the country but in recent years the problem been contained after it came to the attention of authorities that some officials were sabotaging power production at Mtera Hydro Power dam by tampering with the water supply system at the reservoir.
“Once Katavi is connected to the national grid, the region can contribute considerably to the national economy as regional residents can start up industries whenever they wish to and the operation costs will also go down,” said Dr Magufuli.
The President also said the project will help save millions. Currently the government through Tanzania Electric Supply Company ( Tanesco) has been spending US $3m annually to operate the generators.
The president also gave assurance that Nyerere Hydropower project, which is currently under implementation will change Tanzania’ supply as it will produce 2,115 MW to the national grid.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
