Tanzania launches US$9.6million substation in Morogoro

MOROGORO – Tanzania  has officially launched the US$9.6million (about 25bil/-) Ifakara Substation in Morogoro’s Kilombero district which is set to stand against the town’s power instability experienced by residents and businesses.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy Dr. Doto Biteko launched the 20MVA power station on Friday  maintaining that it will serve residents in three districts of Malinyi, Ulanga and Kilombero in Morogoro region.

The Deputy Prime Minister said the new station will greatly transform the economy of the people in the area, powering industries and social service facilities.

“Our government seriously prioritizes access to energy. As the Ministry, our focus is not making plans but delivering electricity to the people … this is a necessity not a luxury commodity,” Dr. Biteko said at the inaugural ceremony. The construction work started in 2020 with additional financial support from the European Union.

The Deputy Prime Minister tasked the state run utility firm – TANESCO and the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to enhance the execution of the facility in line with prospering the economy.

Initially, the power station is expected for the ongoing construction of a large scale mining project in Ulanga district and is also expected to power at least 54 value-added factories in the district.

In a similar development, the government announced plans to build a 68 km-long power distribution line that will cost taxpayers over 104bn/-.

READ: Over 10 REA projects underway to electrify whole country

The EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Ms. Christine Grau, commended the Ministry of Energy, REA, TANESCO, and the contractors for completing the project, which will transform the economic and social lives of the people.

She said Tanzania and the European Union have had a long-standing partnership in energy matters, as it is crucial for sustainable development. 

“This cooperation has focused on various areas, including Clean Cooking Energy,” she noted. “This project (Ifakara) will enable citizens and institutions to gain reliable electricity, needed to advance economically.”