Biteko: JNHPP edges completion

COAST REGION , Rufiji : DEPUTY Prime Minister Doto Biteko has said the construction of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) has reached 91.7 per cent, assuring Tanzanians that shortage of power will soon come to an end.

“The project construction is progressing at a good pace. We are at final stages, we will soon supply enough electricity to the citizens,” Dr Biteko, who doubles as Energy Minister, stated on Saturday shortly after inspecting the progress of the project.

He assured that the 6.6tri/- project, once operational, will address the current power shortage facing the country.

The project started in 2018 after the government signed a joint construction contract with Arab Contractors and El-Sewedy from Egypt.

“I thank President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for placing emphasis on this project which addresses the challenge of power shortage. I congratulate the contractors as well as the TANESCO (Tanzania Electric Supply Company) which has been effectively supervising its implementation,” Dr Biteko said.

He said the government has been paying the contractor timely, saying 85.5 per cent of the total amount of cost has been paid so far.

Earlier, when briefing Deputy Prime Minister, Consulting Engineer Emmanuel Mwandambo, said the dam has now been filled at a level of 164.8 cubic metres, which is equivalent to 14.6 million litres.

Eng Mwandambo elaborated that such amount of water can produce 47.8 per cent of the project production capacity.

Two months ago, the project reached 89 per cent of the execution and that their expectation was to reach 90 per cent.

In December last year, President Samia graced the opening ceremony of the JNHPP for the water filling, for the envisioned generation of 2,115 megawatts (MW) of electricity.

The dam is a dream fulfilled, a dream that dates back to 1961 post-independence, expressed clearly by the father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

It was initiated by the fifth phase government of late President John Magufuli.

The Julius Nyerere Hydropower dam will also help in controlling the frequent floods in Rufiji; used in irrigation schemes, and open many tourism opportunities in the southern part of the country.