TANESCO begins to compensate Lindi residents affected by the 220kV power project

LINDI: THE Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has officially launched compensation payments to residents affected by the construction of the 220kV power transmission line from Masasi in Mtwara Region to Mahumbika in Lindi Region.

Speaking during the launch of the exercise in Kiwalala Ward, Mtama District, on Wednesday, TANESCO Managing Director Lazaro Twange said the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has invested heavily in electricity projects, including transmission lines aimed at connecting southern regions to the National Grid.

Mr Twange said more than 5.1bn/- has been allocated to compensate about 1,730 residents in Lindi and Mtwara regions who will pave the way for the implementation of the Masasi–Mahumbika transmission line project.

He said 78 households in Kiwalala and Mahumbika villages will receive over 253m/- in the first phase of payments before the exercise expands to other villages affected by the project.

Lindi District Commissioner Victoria Mwanziva said the compensation exercise is intended to ensure that all wananchi affected by the project receive their rightful payments to facilitate smooth implementation of development projects.

She commended President Samia for approving the funds, saying the project is crucial for improving reliable electricity supply in southern Tanzania.

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“We thank the President for approving over 5.1bn/- for compensation payments to more than 1,700 residents in Lindi and Mtwara. The main goal is to ensure the success of the Masasi–Mahumbika project,” she said.

The compensation exercise will continue across all 46 villages affected by the project in Lindi, Ruangwa, Newala and Masasi districts, starting with 14 villages under Mtama District Council.

Once completed, the project is expected to improve access to reliable electricity in the southern regions, which currently depend on power generated from natural gas stations in Mtwara and transmitted over long distances.

Separately, the government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa has urged public information officers to sensitise the Tanzanians on economic opportunities linked to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and Miss World 2027, both set to be hosted in Tanzania.

Mr Msigwa made the remarks while representing the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paul Makonda, during the opening of the 21st annual meeting of government information, communication, protocol and public relations officers in Njombe Region.

He said hosting the two international events presents wide-ranging opportunities for Tanzanians, stressing that information officers have a duty to educate the public on how to benefit from them.