Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzanian government, through the Rural Energy Agency (REA), has invested 12bn/- in expanding electricity access to 307 hamlets in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma region, as part of its ongoing rural electrification drive to improve livelihoods and boost economic activities.
The development was announced during a ceremony where electricity was officially switched on in Ujamaa and Kisutu sub-villages.
The event was attended by Namtumbo Member of Parliament and Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Juma Homera.
Dr Homera said the expansion of electricity services reflects the Government’s commitment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to ensure that all rural communities are connected to electricity by 2030.
He said the progress demonstrates strong implementation of national development priorities.
He noted that all 66 villages in Namtumbo Constituency are now connected to electricity, while efforts are ongoing to extend supply to remaining sub-villages.
He commended REA for accelerating implementation and expanding electricity infrastructure in rural areas.
Dr Homera urged residents in newly electrified areas to take advantage of the service by installing internal wiring in their homes so they can fully benefit from electricity.
He said the government has subsidised connection costs to 27,000/- to make access more affordable for citizens.
He also praised REA technical teams for their continued efforts in implementing rural electrification projects that are transforming communities and opening up new economic opportunities.
According to REA Project Management Officer, Eng Deogratius Nagu, the 12bn/- investment has been used to implement several electrification programmes, including densification and grid expansion projects such as Densification 2C, HEP 2A, and HEP 2B
Eng Nagu said that out of 424 sub-villages in Namtumbo District, 307 have already been connected to electricity, while 79 are at different stages of implementation.
He added that once all ongoing projects are completed, electricity access in sub-villages is expected to reach about 91 per cent in the district.
Ruvuma Regional Project Officer, Eng Hamis Mrope, said the expansion of electricity is expected to stimulate local economic growth by supporting small businesses, improving health services, and strengthening education delivery.
He noted that reliable power supply will improve living standards in rural communities.
The government continues to prioritize rural electrification as a key pillar of national development, with REA playing a central role in ensuring electricity reaches even the most remote areas.
