Tanzania enhances power supply as it inaugurates 9.7bn/- Mtera Substation
DODOMA/IRINGA: TANZANIA has been assured a reliable power supply as the government intensifies investments in energy infrastructure, with the newly launched 9.7bn/- Mtera substation being a recent testimony.
The major beneficiaries of the project are residents of Dodoma and Iringa regions.
Speaking today,January 16 2025 a during the inauguration, Minister for Energy, Deo Ndejembi, said the project is part of the government’s commitment to ensure stable, affordable, and sustainable electricity for all Tanzanians.
The project was co-financed by government of Tanzaniad with the support from the governments of Sweden and Norway.
The upgraded 2x10MVA, 220/33kV substation is now operational, serving Kongwa and Mpwapwa districts in Dodoma, as well as Kilolo and Isimani areas in Iringa.
Minister Ndejembi said the facility strengthens the national grid, supports Vision 2050, and enhances electricity access in rural areas with high economic potential.
“President Samia Suluhu Hassan has always emphasised the importance of reliable and predictable electricity. Today, we are witnessing the results of her directives,” he said.
He noted that since the construction of the Mtera Dam in 1975, no investment of this magnitude had been made at the site, making this project a historic milestone for rural electrification.
Minister Ndejembi said 21,000 of Tanzania’s 64,352 hamlets are yet to be connected. “The President has directed that within her first 100 days, these hamlets be targeted for electrification. By 2030, all will have power,” he said.
The Minister praised the Rural Energy Agency (REA) for its vital role in citizens’ lives and its outstanding work in expanding electricity access nationwide
He also urged residents of Dodoma and Iringa to apply for electricity connections, saying the power supply in the area is now stable and reliable.
Representative of development partners Norway and Sweden, who co-financed the Mtera substation,, Stephen Mwakifwamba, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Tanzania’s development through energy infrastructure and other projects that improve citizens’ livelihoods.
Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Energy and Minerals,Simon Songe Lusengekile, said the upgrade will increase electricity output by 18 megawatts, helping to reduce outages.
He thanked President Samia for the government’s sustained investment in the energy sector.
REA Director-General, Eng Hassan Saidy, said the substation has reduced power interruptions in Mpwapwa, Kongwa, and Iringa.
He said residents around Dodoma and Mtera had for years struggled with low-voltage electricity, noting that the new substation now provides a long-awaited solution to power instability.
“This project will bring tremendous benefits to citizens and the nation at large. It will increase power strength to support economic activities, including large and small industries,” he said.
