TANESCO targets 500,000 new electricity customers in Kagera

KAGERA: THE Tanzania Electricity Supply Company (TANESCO) plans to connect more than 500,000 new customers in Kagera Region over the next five years as part of efforts to expand access to electricity.

TANESCO Regional Manager, Engineer Tawakal Rwahila said in an interview on Wednesday that significant progress has already been made in rural electrification.

He noted that 2,029 out of 3,662 hamlets in the region have been connected to electricity, equivalent to 55.4 per cent coverage.

About 1,633 hamlets, roughly 44.6 per cent, are yet to be connected, while contractors are currently working in 474 hamlets.

“Since Independence in 1961, about 206,200 customers in Kagera have been connected to electricity. Under our five-year programme, we plan to register about 63,000 new customers annually,” he said.

He added that the long-term goal is to significantly increase connectivity across the region, with a focus on underserved areas.

Eng Rwahila further said all 662 villages in Kagera have already been connected to electricity, and efforts are now focused on extending services to the remaining hamlets within the next five years.

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He commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for supporting people-centred development projects aimed at improving livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Kagera Regional Commissioner, Colonel Ramadhan Kido, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to electricity.

He urged TANESCO staff to use available resources efficiently, particularly in reaching remote communities.

Col Kido made the remarks on Tuesday while handing over equipment to TANESCO Kagera, including four vehicles, 20 motorcycles and five three-wheelers, valued at over Sh1 billion.

“We expect this equipment will be used efficiently to reach customers in remote areas. It must be properly maintained and protected from misuse,” he said.