Relief as solar power project in Kishapu nears completion

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, said the solar power project in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region, is nearing completion.

She said a total of 50 megawatts is expected to be connected to the National Grid to strengthen electricity availability in Shinyanga Region and neighboring regions.

Makamba made the remarks during an inspection tour of electricity projects in Shinyanga Region, including the Kishapu Solar Power Project, the expansion of the Ibadakuli Power Substation, and the construction of a power transmission line from Ibadakuli to Simiyu Region.

She stated that the project has so far reached more than 89 percent completion and is expected to be finalized by the end of this month. She emphasized that this reflects the government’s strong efforts to ensure the country has sufficient electricity to boost economic opportunities and sustainable development.

“This project has reached more than 89 percent completion, and we expect that by the end of this month we will inject 50 megawatts into the National Grid.

This is a continuation of the government’s efforts to ensure Tanzania has adequate electricity and a strong transmission and distribution network,” Makamba stressed.

Speaking at the Ibadakuli Power Substation Expansion Project, which has reached 44.32 percent completion, the Deputy Minister said the project is of great importance as it will have the capacity to supply electricity to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as well as neighboring countries, including Kenya and Uganda.

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“We thank and commend His Excellency the President for allocating funds for the expansion of the Ibadakuli Power Substation. For us, this is a great honor because this substation will serve the major strategic SGR project, while also transmitting electricity to neighboring countries, Kenya and Uganda,” she explained.

Commenting on the construction of the 220-kilovolt high-voltage transmission line from Ibadakuli to Simiyu, TANESCO Acting Director of Projects, Engineer Frank Mashalo, said the goal of the project is to improve electricity supply in Simiyu Region and neighboring areas. He added that the project has reached 53 percent completion and is expected to be completed in June this year.

Meanwhile, Kishapu District Commissioner, Peter Masindi, said the completion of the project will stimulate production activities and economic growth for Kishapu residents, most of whom are engaged in cotton farming, an activity that requires reliable electricity for processing.

The Kishapu Solar Power Project is being implemented at a total cost of 323bn/- across two phases. The project officially began in December 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of January 2026.