THE Rural Energy Agency (REA) has invested over 80bn/- in various projects in Njombe region to ensure all rural areas access electricity and properly engage in both social and profitable economic activities.
REA Director of Alternative and Renewable Energy, Ms Advera Mwijage said on Wednesday that the agency has provided electricity to approximately 2,400 residents across eight villages in Lupembe division of Njombe district.
She said the project has been successful through enabling Matembwe Village Company Ltd to generate 550 kilowatts of power.
She was speaking during her visit to the Matembwe Village Ltd project, which is owned by Njombe District Council along with residents from Matembwe, Iyembela, and Ikondo that the project is set to bring both social and economic changes to the residents.
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Ms Mwijage said the developer has connected a total of 2,400 customers, with around 750 of those connections supported by the government through REA.
“The cost incurred in connecting customers is approximately 1bn/- and REA continues to support further connections to ensure reliable electricity in this region,” she said.
She added that REA has now provided electricity to all villages nationwide, although some hamlets and households still require electricity services.
“The project has been operational for over 30 years and continues to deliver quality services by increasing the number of customers connected to electricity,” she explained.
Furthermore, REA continues to provide financial support to the project to ensure surrounding communities have access to electricity, thereby promoting economic activities. The Managing Director of Matembwe Village Company Ltd, Mr Johannes Kamonga said the company is involved in electricity generation, transmission and distribution.
He explained that the project currently produces 550 kilowatts of electricity using three machines: one generating 80 kilowatts, another 120 kilowatts and the third 350 kilowatts.
Recently, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, commended REA for its outstanding performance in fulfilling its responsibilities, including electricity distribution to villages and managing renewable energy projects as part of the Ministry of Energy’s plans.
