📍Newala, Mtwara: The Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, has officially launched the 33 kilovolt electricity transmission line project from Masasi to Newala, explaining that the project is part of the Government’s efforts to continue to strengthen access to reliable electricity for the citizens and create an enabling environment for the growth of economic activities in Newala District.
Speaking during the launch of the line, Hon. Ndejembi said the Sixth Phase Government under the leadership of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, continues to invest in strategic electricity projects to ensure that energy services reach more citizens and become a catalyst for development.
“This electricity line is the basis for growing the economy, increasing production, attracting investment and improving access to electricity for Newala District”, said Minister Ndejembi.
Minister Ndejembi said the Government will continue to ensure that Lindi and Mtwara Regions receive reliable electricity, including connecting the Regions to the National Grid.
Representing the Mtwara Regional Commissioner, the Newala District Commissioner, Hon. Mwangi Kundya said various projects have continued to be implemented in Mtwara Region.
“Honorable Minister, I would like to congratulate the Government as all 785 villages in Mtwara Region are receiving electricity services”, said Hon. Mwangi.
He said that in improving customer service, Mtwara Region has received equipment including 11 vehicles, 4 Bajajs and 6 Motorcycles.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Hon. Felchesmi Mramba said the Government has been improving investment and access to electricity in Mtwara and Lindi Regions.
“The demand for Lindi and Mtwara has continued to increase and the Government has invested in production and currently in Mtwara Region we are producing more than 50 megawatts”, said Engineer Mramba.
Earlier, while giving information on the implementation of the project, TANESCO Managing Director, Mr. Lazaro Twange said that the construction of the line has been implemented at a cost of 4.56 billion shillings for a distance of 76 kilometers from Masasi to Newala.
“Honorable guest of honor, before this project was implemented, Newala District was receiving electricity from Mtwara via Nanyumbu, a distance of 170 kilometers, which contributed to the problem of frequent power outages”. said Mr. Twange.
He added that the completion of the construction of the power line has improved access to electricity and eliminated the challenge of power outages in the District.
The government through TANESCO has allocated approximately 5.27 billion shillings for the construction of a switching station that will help improve access to electricity and meet the current and future needs of citizens and investors in Newala District.
Newala Rural MP, Dr. Yahaya Nawanda on behalf of the Mtwara Regional Members of Parliament has commended the Government for continuing to improve access to electricity in the Mtwara Region.
