Protect power infrastructure, Biteko tells public

DODOMA: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has called on the public to collaborate with the government in safeguarding and maintaining the electricity infrastructure for the country’s betterment.

Dr Biteko revealed that in just a period between October and November this year, there were 23 cases of vandalism involving theft of cables and transformer oil.

Also 35 recorded incidents of infrastructure theft occurred between July 2023 to September this year.

He made the statement during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the 400kV power transmission line project and the expansion of 400kV substations from Chalinze, Coast Region, to Zuzu in Dodoma.

“It is frustrating when a few individuals, driven by greed, sabotage the infrastructure, causing widespread outages. For example, in Mkuranga, Coast Region, we recently found a person with a large stash of stolen cables, including those meant for SGR (Standard Gauge Railway). These incidents have left people without electricity, disrupting their daily activities and causing financial losses. Let me emphasise that this infrastructure, once completed, will require collective protection,” he said.

He said that protecting electricity infrastructure is not solely the responsibility of security forces but requires the active participation of the entire community.

“This responsibility cannot be left to the police alone. It is a collective duty. Today, we are investing 514bn/- into this project. So, it would be devastating when someone undermines it. We must ensure that laws are enforced against those who sabotage such infrastructure. This infrastructure is ours, meant for the economic development of our nation. Let’s protect it together for the betterment of our country,” he said.

Dr Biteko highlighted the government’s efforts to ensure sufficient energy supply to support industrial growth and improve citizens’ livelihood, noting that these developments would also position Tanzania as a key energy supplier to neighboring countries.

“We are working to connect all our neighbors to our electricity grid. We already have connections with Burundi, Rwanda, and Kenya and now we’re moving towards Zambia and Malawi. Our goal is to use the surplus electricity we generate to trade with our neighbors,” he said.

He cited the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) as an example, where not all turbines are operational because the current electricity demand cannot absorb the supply, noting that this surplus electricity can be used to benefit neighboring countries through regional initiatives such as the East African Power Pool and the SADC Power Pool.

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He also highlighted that 12,278 villages out of 12,318 have already been connected to electricity, with the remaining 40 expected to be connected by the end of December this year.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting clean cooking energy, aiming for 80 per cent of Tanzanians to use clean energy for cooking by 2030 noting that the government is subsidizing 400,000 gas cylinders, selling them at half price to encourage the adoption of clean cooking solutions.

Furthermore, Dr Biteko urged project managers and contractors to ensure the efficient and timely execution of the power transmission line project.

“This project must be completed with speed and efficiency. The government has provided the necessary funds, and there is no room for excuses. The contractor must deliver without delays to guarantee reliable electricity for Tanzanians,” he said.

On his part, Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) Director General, Mr Gissima Nyamo-Hanga said that the project will includes two segments where by one will be from Dodoma to Morogoro and another from Morogoro to Chalinze aiming to accomplish the project early.

He said that the project is fully funded by the government, with an estimated cost of 513bn/- noting that the government has already disbursed initial funds and the project is expected to be completed in 22 months, by 2026.

Speaking on behalf of development partners, Ms Wendy Hughes from the World Bank commended Tanzania for its commitment to developing its national grid system emphasising that reliable electricity is a cornerstone for social and economic growth.

She reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment and other development partners to continue supporting Tanzania’s energy sector development.