Tanzania invests 704m/- for upgrading  a power substation in Lindi

LINDI: THE Tanzanian government has invested 704m/-  for the installation of an additional transformer at the Mahumbika power substation in Lindi Region in a move aimed at reducing frequent power outages affecting Lindi and Mtwara regions.

Minister for Energy Deogratius Ndejembi revealed this when inspecting progress at the substation during his ongoing tour of electricity projects in Lindi Region and Mtwara Region, noting that the installation of the transformer is part of the government’s short-term measures to strengthen reliable electricity supply for residents in the two regions.

“Alongside these short-term efforts, there is a major power transmission project from Songea through Tunduru to Masasi, and eventually reaching Mahumbika, which will significantly boost electricity supply in Lindi and Mtwara,” he said.

Additionally, he said that the government is continuing to implement projects to strengthen power infrastructure in the southern corridor, including a transmission line project from Mkuranga through Somanga and Kilwa to Lindi, which will be integrated with the electricity distribution networks in Lindi and Mtwara regions.

ALSO READ: RC urges Mtwara traders to support TRA’s tax education campaign   

The minister also commended Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited for ensuring the project was implemented by local contractors from within the institution, noting that the government plans to ensure that every district has its own power substation in order to minimise outages caused by faults occurring in other areas.

“We no longer want a situation where electricity goes off in Mtama due to a fault in Lindi or Nachingwea. The goal is for each district to have its own substation, and this is a directive from President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” he said.

Meanwhile, the project manager for the transformer installation at Mahumbika substation, Joseph Efrem, said the new 15 MVA transformer has increased the station’s capacity to about 35 MVA.

He noted that the move will enhance reliable electricity supply and support economic activities for residents in Lindi and Mtwara regions.