REA and TANESCO hailed for increasing access to clean energy after countrywide electrification

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has made significant progress in expanding electricity services across the country, moving from supplying power at regional levels to reaching communities at the sub-village level, the  Permanent Secretary in  the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, revealed yesterday.

 Engineer Mramba commended the Rural Energy Agency (REA) and Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) for their contribution in ensuring that rural and sub-village electrification projects are implemented successfully, increasing access to energy for citizens.

He made the remarks in Dar es Salaam during an award and certificate presentation ceremony for project supervisors from REA and contractors who successfully completed rural and sub-village electrification projects within the planned timelines.

According to Engineer Mramba, 62 percent of villages across the country have so far been connected to electricity services. The government aims to ensure all villages are connected to electricity by 2030 through the Last Mile Household Electrification programme, which focuses on connecting final consumers to the power network.

During the event, Mramba urged contractors implementing electricity projects in the country to prioritize timely completion, quality workmanship, and effective cost management. He emphasized that the Ministry of Energy will continue closely monitoring contractors’ performance to ensure value for public funds.

ALSO READ: REA hands over the Mpale National Grid power project to TANESCO for distribution to the public

He said the government will continue working with contractors to address challenges that may arise during project implementation. However, he warned that contractors who fail to meet required standards will not be given opportunities to participate in future government projects.

The Permanent Secretary also welcomed Zambia’s Ministry of Energy Permanent Secretary responsible for electricity matters, Engineer Arnold Simwaba, who is in Tanzania on a working visit to learn from and inspect electricity projects.

For his part, Engineer Simwaba said contractors who have demonstrated strong capacity in implementing electricity projects in Tanzania are also welcome to participate in electricity projects in Zambia.

He noted that such cooperation could help improve the implementation of energy projects and enhance electricity access in both countries.