400Kv power project to transform Dodoma-RC
DODOMA: DODOMA Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule has said that the completion of the 400-kilovolt (kV) ChalinzeZuzu transmission line project will transform the capital city into a hub for electricity distribution.
RC said this during the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Energy Dr Dotto Biteko’s visit at Manchali in Chamwino District, Dodoma to inspect the strategic power project.
The project will enable electricity generated from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) to reach all regions in the Northern Zone, Lake Zone, Southern Highlands, Central Zone and Western Zone, as well as mines and industries. The project is also expected to strengthen electricity trade in eastern and southern Africa.
She pledged to oversee all directives issued by Dr Biteko to ensure the project’s timely completion, allowing electricity transmitted to Dodoma to be distributed efficiently to other regions.
On his part, Tanzania Electrical Supply Company (TANESCO) Managing Director, Lazaro Twange, said the project, valued at 513bn/- will enhance the transmission of electricity generated from the Mwalimu Nyerere Hydropower Dam to different parts of the country.
ALSO READ: TBEA faces music for delaying the Chalinze-Dodoma 400kV power project
The project involves the construction of 345 kilometres of power transmission lines, with 107bn/- already paid to the contractor, while the project consultant has received 15 per cent of the agreed fees.
He explained that although the project was expected to have reached 31 per cent by now, due to various challenges progress currently stands at 24 per cent. However, strategies have been put in place to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
During the inspection, the Deputy Prime Minister ordered the contractor to urgently speed up work and recover lost time to ensure the project is completed on schedule.
Launched in November 2024, the project was expected to be 31 per cent complete by now but Dr Biteko noted it had only reached 24 per cent, a shortfall he called unacceptable.
He stressed that the contractor, TBEA of China, must make up the 7 per cent shortfall to ensure timely completion, citing the project’s strategic importance to the national power supply.
