Dr Samia orders the Energy Ministry to ensure JNHP power fully benefits all key economic sectors

UTETE: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Ministry of Energy and the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to fast-track completion of power transmission and distribution infrastructure to ensure Tanzanians and key economic sectors fully benefit from electricity generated by the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project.

The Head of State issued the directives earlier on Saturday when launching Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station in Rufiji, saying the completion of the massive power generation project must be matched by adequate transmission infrastructure to deliver reliable electricity across the country.

Speaking at the memorable event, Peesident Samia specifically directed TANESCO and the Ministry of Energy to ensure timely completion of major transmission projects, including the 400-kilovolt transmission line from Chalinze to Dodoma, stretching about 345 kilometres, as well as the completion and commissioning of the Zuzu substation in Dodoma.

Additionally, President Samia noted that the infrastructure will enable electricity generated at the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Station to reach the Southern Highlands, Central, Lake, Western and Northern zones, expanding access to reliable power and supporting economic activities across the country.

Moreover, she stressed that completion of the Dodoma transmission infrastructure has also ended reliance on facilities previously shared with the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), noting that the railway now has its dedicated power infrastructure and would therefore not compete with other electricity users.

Moreover, she also directed the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to accelerate the rollout of electricity to areas that remain unconnected, stressing that the government’s goal is to ensure the entire country gains access to electricity within the shortest possible time.

“The additional electricity generated by the Julius Nyerere project is expected to create new opportunities for businesses and investment, stimulate production, generate employment and increase incomes for Tanzanians and the national economy,” she stressed.

Furthemore, she urged Tanzanians to seize emerging economic opportunities associated with reliable electricity supply, while stressing that the success of the Julius Nyerere project was the result of long-term decisions and efforts by successive governments.