‘Use innovation to cut rural electricity costs’

ARUSHA: CHAIRMAN of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Ambassador Retired Major General Jacob Kingu, has urged the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to provide special devices, known as Ready Boards, to help in reducing high costs of home electricity wiring under rural electrification projects.

Ambassador Kingu made the remarks yesterday while addressing contractors implementing REA projects in Arusha region.

He explained that the device would help increase customer numbers while easing the financial burden on households by simplifying the process of connecting to electricity under ongoing rural energy initiatives.

In addition, he called on REA management to meet regularly with stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure the agency achieves the objectives set during the recent M300 Conference held in Tanzania.

Ambassador Kingu also instructed project supervisors to enhance monitoring and close supervision of ongoing rural electricity projects across the country.

“REA continues to implement various projects in this region at a faster pace with the aim of providing energy services to all citizens, thereby improving social and economic services in rural areas,” he said.

He further highlighted that 965 sub-villages, representing 64.12 per cent of 1,505 sub-villages, have already received electricity services through past and ongoing REA projects in Arusha region.

Moreover, he confirmed that all 368 villages in Arusha have been electrified under REA initiatives, achieving 100 per cent coverage in the region.

ALSO READ: MPs call for reduction of electricity connection costs

Ambassador Kingu also urged all contractors awarded REA projects to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality standards so that the benefits reach the intended communities.

Speaking on behalf of REA Arusha regional engineers, Mr Darwin Eradius said the agency continues to implement several projects in the region as part of its strategy to expand electricity access to all citizens.

“In this region, a total of two electricity distribution projects for sub-villages are under implementation, including the Phase II A Electrification Project (HEP 2A) and the Phase II B Electrification Expansion Project (REDP IIB),” he noted.

He added that the government, through REA, has allocated 79.6bn/- to ensure successful execution of rural electricity projects in Arusha, providing citizens with power to stimulate social and economic development.

“These funds have been provided by the government to promote social and economic progress for our people,” Mr Eradius said.