TANESCO out to fast track TAZA Power Project

SONGWE: THE Managing Director of Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO), Mr Lazaro Twange has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Tanzania-Zambia Transmission Interconnector (TAZA) project.

The 400-kilovolt, 203 kilometre transmission line from Tunduma to Sumbawanga has now reached more than 79 per cent completion.

Mr Twange explained that the project aims to improve reliable electricity supply across Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, Songwe and Rukwa regions, thereby boosting economic and social development for the residents.

During his visit to Songwe and Mbeya recently, Mr Twange urged contractors to accelerate their work to ensure the project is completed on time, as outlined in the contracts.

We are grateful to the government under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating funds to these projects. Though the work is challenging, progress is impressive.

For example, on the 400 kV transmission line from Tunduma to Sumbawanga, the contractor has already installed 171 of 497 poles.

Our role is to supervise and ensure the project finishes on schedule,” he said.

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At the Malangali electricity substation, one of five substations being constructed under the TAZA project, Mr Twange noted progress of 36 per cent. He called on the project engineer to enhance supervision of the contractor.

Taking the opportunity, Mr Twange thanked the government significant investments in the power sector, highlighting its commitment to economic growth through electricity infrastructure development.

Besides inspecting the Tunduma–Sumbawanga transmission line, Mr Twange visited the Iganjo substation in Mbeya and the Nkangamo substation in Tunduma, Songwe. He assured residents that TANESCO remains strong in project implementation and service delivery.

This special tour of the southern regions also included visits to natural gas power plants Mtwara 1 and 2 and several other projects such as the Songea–Tunduru substation, TAZA Malangali–Sumbawanga substation, Nkangamo Tunduma–Songwe substation and the Iganjo Mbeya substation.