TANESCO, TBEA sign 198.67bn/- electricy project contract

SONGWE: THE Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) and China-based TBEA Company have signed a 198.67bn/- contract for construction of a 220kV electricity transmission line from Iganjo in Mbeya Region to Saza in Songwe Region, alongside construction of a substation at Saza.

The 18-month project is expected to improve electricity supply in Songwe and Chunya District in Mbeya, while strengthening the power infrastructure needed to support economic activities in the areas.

Witnessing the signing ceremony at Saza-Mkwajuni in Songwe District on Friday, Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba said the project would address existing electricity supply challenges in areas that currently depend on power transmitted from Mbeya over long distances.

She said completion of the project would increase the capacity of the electricity system to meet current and future demand, creating a more conducive environment for investment and economic activities, including trade, agriculture, industries and mining.

“The project is part of the government’s commitment to strengthening energy infrastructure to ensure reliable electricity supply and stimulate production and economic growth,” Ms Makamba said.

She said the Iganjo-Saza project was also linked to the government’s major investment in the 400kV TanzaniaZambia Transmission Interconnector (TAZA), whose Tanzanian section covers a 616-kilometre transmission line from Iringa through Kisada, Iganjo and Tunduma to Sumbawanga.

Ms Makamba said TAZA infrastructure included construction of the Iganjo substation in Mbeya, which would facilitate transmission of electricity to Saza. The TAZA project had reached 89.46 per cent completion and was expected to be completed in February 2027, before the Iganjo-Saza project.

“We want Songwe, Mbeya, Rukwa, Iringa and other regions in this zone to have the capacity to attract investment, expand industries, increase agricultural and mining activities and trade, and add value to available resources,” she said.

Ms Makamba commended TANESCO for appointing its internal TANESCO Engineering Consultancy Unit (TANECU) as the project consultant, saying the move would strengthen local expertise in implementing major strategic electricity projects.

She directed TANESCO and the contractor to ensure the project was implemented on schedule, to the required quality and in accordance with all contractual conditions.

She also directed that compensation for residents affected by the project be handled fairly and in accordance with established procedures. Local residents should also be prioritised for employment and service opportunities during implementation.

TANESCO representative Engineer Amos Kaihula said the Saza substation would have two 50MVA transformers and help improve electricity supply in Songwe and Chunya, which currently receive power from Mbeya over about 116 kilometres.