REA speeds up power expansion in Arusha

ARUSHA: THE government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has successfully availed power to all 368 villages in Arusha Region, representing 100 per cent coverage.

Efforts are now underway to expand the service to all remaining hamlets in Arusha City and surrounding areas.

This progress was revealed yesterday by the Chairperson of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Major General (Rtd) Ambassador Jacob Kingu, during an inspection tour of rural electrification projects in Arumeru District.

The tour included meetings with project contractors and witnessing new household connections at Kisongo Juu hamlet.

“The project to connect electricity to hamlets is progressing well, with 936 out of 1,505 hamlets already connected to the national grid. Work continues at a fast pace to ensure timely completion, so that more citizens can benefit from reliable electricity in their areas,” said Amb Kingu.

He credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her unwavering support in accelerating rural electrification efforts.

“We must thank President Samia for the way she continues to empower REA to implement these projects rapidly. As you can see here in Arusha Region, many residents are now accessing electricity,” he added.

Ambassador Kingu said that REA is committed to providing reliable energy services that support both social development and economic growth in rural areas.

“We will continue to avail electricity to citizens in hamlets and peri-urban areas, ensuring energy access that supports entrepreneurship and improves quality of life,” he said.

Local leaders echoed similar sentiments. Chairperson of Kisongo Juu Hamlet, Mr Adam William, noted the significant opportunities that electrification brings to the community.

“The availability of electricity opens up a range of economic activities, from maize and rice milling using electric machines to phone charging services and other small-scale businesses,” said Mr William.

Rural electrification has been widely recognised as a key driver of development, with many citizens now registering for connections as power lines reach their communities.

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Recently, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko said that fewer than 5 million Tanzanians currently have access to electricity.

However, the ongoing 9,000-hamlet electrification project, being implemented by REA, is expected to significantly increase household connections to power.