Biteko tasks TANESCO’s board to boost staff performance
DAR ES SALAAM: DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has instructed the new Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) board to evaluate the performance of its officials, with a view to enhance reliable electricity access for citizens.
He emphasised that the government’s goal is to provide affordable and consistent power supply across the country.
Speaking during the inauguration of TANESCO’s new board of directors in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, Dr Biteko highlighted that the ministry regularly reviews its progress every quarter to assess its efforts in meeting the government’s objectives of delivering affordable electricity to the public.
“I want to assure you that both the Government and the people of Tanzania expect reliable electricity. Citizens should only pay for what they have used, not more. We also need to promote the use of clean cooking energy,” Dr Biteko said.
He called on the newly appointed board to adopt a similar quarterly evaluation system to ensure that TANESCO meets the expectations of the government and the public.
“At the Ministry, we evaluate ourselves every quarter. We meet and review the progress of each institution, and now it’s your turn to evaluate your team,” Dr Biteko explained.
He further commended the board for their efforts to ensure reliable electricity supply to Tanzanians and urged them to enhance customer service.
Dr Biteko also warned against any involvement in brokerage activities in future tenders, stressing the importance of integrity in the management of TANESCO’s operations.
Additionally, the Deputy Prime Minister underscored the need for strategic management of electricity generation projects to diversify the country’s energy sources.
“It is crucial to continue supervising key projects such as the Malagarasi project in Kigoma and the Kishapu solar project in Shinyanga, alongside ongoing geothermal energy development,” he noted.
Dr Biteko also used the opportunity to express his appreciation for President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership and her close monitoring of government ministries and public servants.
“I would like to thank and congratulate our President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her exemplary leadership and her close attention to the performance of ministries and government institutions,” he said.
Also, Dr Biteko expressed confidence in the timing of the board’s appointment, citing the importance of overseeing the distribution of electricity from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP).
“This board was appointed at a critical moment. The Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project has started generating electricity, with 705 megawatts already fed into the national grid,” Dr Biteko added.
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TANESCO Board Chairman, Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, acknowledged the board’s collaboration with the Ministry and the inclusion of qualified professionals from various sectors.
He also noted that electricity supply issues had significantly decreased and the board was now focused on distribution.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, remarked that public complaints regarding TANESCO have declined, reflecting improved management under the new board.
