Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Ministry of Energy has assured Members of Parliament of increased financial allocations to modernise the national electricity infrastructure including replacing aging wooden poles with more durable concrete ones to bolster the reliability of the power distribution network across the country.
The assurance was given in the National Assembly yesterday by Energy Deputy Minister Judith Kapinga, following a supplementary question from Temeke MP Dorothy Kilave (CCM), who inquired about the government’s plans to replace wooden electricity poles in her constituency with more durable concrete ones.
Deputy Minister Kapinga affirmed that the government recognises the need to modernise infrastructure and more budgets will be directed towards this goal to ensure a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply.
Earlier, Mbogwe MP Nicodemus Maganga had asked when the government would complete the Rural Energy Agency (REA) electrification project for unconnected hamlets in Mbogwe.
Responding, Deputy Minister Kapinga revealed that Mbogwe constituency has 335 hamlets, of which 140 have already been electrified.
Contractors are currently implementing projects in 82 hamlets, while tenders have been announced to find contractors for 63 additional hamlets under the second phase of the Hamlet Electrification Project (HEP IIB).
She added that the government, through the Rural Energy Agency, will continue to allocate funds to complete electrification of the remaining 50 hamlets in Mbogwe.
In a related development, Lushoto MP Shaban Shekilindi (CCM) sought clarification on when the hamlets of Hendelo, Ngaloi and Muheza in Lushoto would be connected to electricity.
Deputy Minister Kapinga explained that Muheza Hamlet, located in Rwandai Village, Rwandai Ward, will be connected under the HEP IIB project, with tenders for contractors already advertised and expected to be opened soon.
Electrification of Hendelo and Ngaloi hamlets will be implemented in upcoming projects, subject to availability of funds.
Moreover, Deputy Minister Kapinga outlined the government’s broader plan to ensure that 15 hamlets in each constituency are connected to electricity, emphasising that this initiative is part of the ongoing national agenda to expand energy access, stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life in rural areas.
She reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that no Tanzanian is left behind in the journey toward universal access to reliable electricity.
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