REA attains 99pc electricity coverage in villages

DAR ES SALAAM: RURAL Energy Agency (REA) has successfully extended electricity to 12,240 villages across the country as of October this year, achieving 99.1 per cent coverage of all villages.

This milestone underscores REA’s commitment to improving access to electricity in rural areas.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam recently, Director of Rural Electrification, Engineer Jones Olotu, noted that the progress has been made since the project began.

“When we started, only 506 villages out of the 12,318 had electricity. Today, we have reached 12,240 villages, leaving just 0.9 per cent without electricity,” said Eng Olotu.

Eng Olotu added that the achievement reflects the government’s dedication to providing essential services to rural communities, ensuring that development reaches even the most remote areas of the country.

Engineer Olotu said that 78 villages have remained to be electrified, with contractors actively working to reduce this number. By the end of this month an updated stock count will provide clarity on the progress made.

“Our goal is to electrify all villages this year. After that, we will focus on hamlets, where some work has already begun, and later extend services to households to ensure every household in need of electricity gets connected.”

He added He further noted that, according to the 2022 census, over 75 per cent of Tanzania’s population resides in rural areas and this obligates the government to provide essential services such as water, electricity, healthcare, and education, as rural areas host majority of the nation’s workforce.

“Our goal is to provide essential services to citizens and this service is free, they only pay 27,000/- for connection because electricity is vital for other sectors to achieve their objectives,” said Eng Olotu.

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“For instance, water requires electricity for pumping and distribution, healthcare facilities need electricity for operations, and schools benefit significantly from access to electricity,” added Eng Olotu.

Meanwhile, Iringa Regional Commissioner Peter Serukamba has expressed support for REA efforts to distribute 9,800 cooking gas cylinders in the region, promoting and increasing the use of clean cooking energy.

RC Serukamba made the remarks yesterday in Iringa following REA project progress report presentation for the region by the Director of Alternative Technologies and Renewable Energy, Engineer Advera Mwijage.

Mr Serukamba commended REA for the initiative and other ongoing projects, including efforts to extend electricity to villages and hamlets. “I commend REA for continuing to distribute gas cylinders to promote the use of clean energy.

I also commend your ongoing efforts to bring electricity to various areas. I encourage you to continue collaborating with key stakeholders, including major companies, to make these projects more impactful for the people,” said RC Serukamba.

Presenting the report, Eng Mwijage said that the gas cylinders will be distributed across three districts including Kilolo, Iringa and Mufindi to further promote safe and clean energy use.

She said, “Lake Gas Company will begin distributing cooking gas in the region in January 2025, allowing residents to have access to the service.”

In a related development, Eng Mwijage urged Tanzanians to take advantage of opportunities to build fuel stations by submitting applications to REA.

“This project will involve construction of fuel stations with capacities ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 litres. I commend the government for continuing to allocate funds for implementing these projects,” said Eng Mwijage.