📍 Mtera – Iringa
The Government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has inaugurated the Mtera Power Cooling and Distribution Substation (2x10MVA, 220/33kV), a project expected to enhance electricity reliability, reduce low voltage challenges, and improve the delivery of social services including health, education, water, and communication in Iringa and Dodoma regions.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held on January 16, 2026 in Iringa Region, the Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, said the expansion of the Mtera Substation is part of the Sixth Phase Government’s efforts under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure reliable and affordable electricity supply, particularly in rural areas.
He added that the project will directly benefit residents of Mpwapwa and Kongwa districts in Dodoma Region, as well as Kilolo District in Iringa Region, by stimulating economic and social development activities.
“Electricity is available in sufficient quantity. I urge citizens to apply for electricity connections so they can fully benefit from the economic opportunities created by reliable power supply,” said Hon. Ndejembi.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, stated that REA has brought a major transformation in rural electrification, noting that in 2014 only 7 percent of rural residents had access to electricity, while by 2026 the figure has risen to 78 percent.
On his part, the Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals, Simon Lusengekile, commended the Government’s strategies implemented through REA in serving citizens through energy projects, while urging the public to protect electricity infrastructure to ensure long-term benefits for both present and future generations.
Additionally, the representative of Development Partners Norway and Sweden, Stephen Mwakifwamba, who contributed to the financing of the Mtera Substation project, expressed satisfaction with the successful implementation of the project, noting that it has already begun to positively impact communities in Iringa and Dodoma regions.
Similarly, the Chairperson of the Rural Energy Board (REB), Retired Major General and Ambassador Jacob Kingu, praised REA’s management and staff for the successful completion of the project, emphasizing the agency’s significant role in implementing national energy development projects.
The Director General of the Rural Energy Agency (REA), Mr. Hassan Saidy, revealed that the Mtera Substation was constructed at a cost of TZS 9.2 billion, funded by the Government of Tanzania through REA in collaboration with the Governments of Sweden and Norway.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Commissioners of Dodoma and Iringa, the Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Hon. Rosemary Senyamule, said the project will greatly benefit residents of both regions, while commending REA for its commitment to expanding rural electricity access.
She further noted that despite the availability of sufficient electricity, the application of science and technology is essential to prevent frequent power outages, adding that such projects demonstrate the role of technology in addressing electricity challenges.
Moreover, she urged residents of Kongwa and Mpwapwa districts to utilize reliable electricity supply to boost industrial production and enhance the overall economic growth of Dodoma Region.
No comments:
Post a Comment