Kudos to govt for JNHPP construction step

THE Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project (JNHPP) is near completion and is set to produce 2, 115 megawatts that will be added to the National Grid.

While the power produced will satisfy energy needs in Tanzania, the dam will also be used to control water flow in the period of flooding and thus providing the necessary water requirement.

Among the most complex and influential energy transformations of the 21st century are those underway in developing countries like ours. During the previous century, the energy relationship between these countries and the global energy system was largely framed by the exports developing nations sent to the developed world. That is no longer the case.

Developing countries face a major undertaking: How to best secure and use these significantly larger amounts of energy in a manner that both promotes continued economic growth and is sustainable. In this regard, it is primarily the increasing demand for and use of energy for local consumerism that is driving the need for more supply. The choices the developing countries make in meeting the two challenges of increasing demand and supply will have a profound impact on the global economy, markets, geopolitics, and the dynamics of climate change.

With power production at JNHPP, Tanzania will be one of countries in East Africa with more megawatts, satisfying its needs but also export to earn foreign currency for national development.

Producing such electricity is one thing, but another is the fact that before even its production, the project has already improved livelihoods of locals working on the project and the surrounding communities, proving that the project is more than just electrifying the country.

It is on record that so far the project has employed 12,275 manpower, including 11,164 Tanzanians and 1,161 foreign experts. People see the JNHPP as an opener to a number of social and economic gains within their villages, as through their jobs, they have managed to make positive progress in their daily lives.

It is worthwhile to congratulate the Sixth Phase Government for its decision to carry on the strategic projects like this and start new ones. There had been some people who were pessimistic and were on the social media, discouraging continuation of the projects.

The Head of the Nation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan stood firm and told the nation and the world that her government would take on and complete the strategic projects. Now we see the benefits even before power production starts at JNHPP, with locals benefitting from the project.