Dodoma — Frequent power cuts experienced in some parts of the country – particularly during weekends – are due to implementation of a mega project aimed to reliable electricity supply.
This was stated yesterday by the Minister for Energy and Minerals, Prof Sospeter Muhongo, when responding to a supplementary question raised by Lucy Mlowe (Special Seats-Chadema).
She wanted to know why some parts of the country, including Kigamboni in Dar es Salaam and Kahama district in Shinyanga Region, were experiencing frequent power shortages.
The minister said that currently the state-run power utility, TANESCO, is implementing electricity projects aimed at connecting the whole country to the national grid. He said that all the projects are being implemented within a set time frame and that the government is determined to see they are completed in time.
The projects include the Iringa to Shinyanga (400kV), Makambako to Songea (220kV), North-East Grid (400kV), North-West Grid (400kV), Singida-Arusha-Namanga (400kV), Bulyanhulu-Geita (220kV), and Electricity V (33kV, 0.4kV, 132kv and 220kV).
The minister elaborated that the Iringa-Shinyanga project would involve the construction of a 670-km transmission line with 400kV from Iringa through Dodoma, Singida to Shinyanga.
“I would like to ask all Tanzanians that sometimes we are forced to cut electricity due to ongoing improvements,” Prof Muhongo noted. He added that his ministry had already held talks with Buzwagi Gold Mine whether it could extend its 33kV to Kahama and end the current power shortage facing the district.
Originally Posted on AllAfrica.com