Julius Nyerere hydropower project is 99.8% complete

RUFIJI, Pwani – The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) is nearing completion, with only 0.2 per cent of work remaining before it begins full operation, Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa announced.

Once fully operational, the 2,115-megawatt plant will generate more electricity than Tanzania’s peak demand of 1,900 megawatts.

Speaking at the project site, Msigwa highlighted the significant progress made since the project began in 2019. Initially, only 33 per cent of the work had been completed before President Samia Suluhu Hassan took office. Under her leadership, construction has now reached 99.8% completion.

“The project is valued at 6.5 tri/-, and President Samia has already paid 6.2 tri/-, covering 95.8 percent of the total cost,” Msigwa said.

He further noted that eight of the nine turbines have already been installed and are ready to feed 1,880 megawatts into the national grid.

“If we were to rely solely on this project for electricity today, it would be enough to power the entire country,” Msigwa stated.

Beyond power generation, the dam—capable of holding 32 billion cubic meters of water—will also support irrigation, housing, and infrastructure development, including bridges.