Africa-Press – Tanzania. LOCAL government leaders have been identified as key players in safeguarding electricity infrastructure due to their proximity to communities and their central role in coordinating service information within their jurisdictions.
Speaking while opening a working session between Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) , councillors and local chairpersons from Ilala, Temeke and Kigamboni municipalities, Ilala District Commissioner Edward Mpogolo said the government recognises the important role of local leaders in the power sector.
He said the government values the continued cooperation between the leaders and TANESCO in ensuring electricity services reach citizens efficiently.
DC Mpogolo said local leaders are responsible for helping residents understand the correct procedures for reporting power faults through the new NIKONEKT System (Jihudumie), which offers swift and cost-free service.
“Local leaders are essential in protecting power infrastructure, including poles and cables, especially in urban areas where damage often occurs due to construction activities,” he said.
He added that some disruptions are caused by illegal power connections, a practice that endangers communities and unfairly exposes TANESCO to public blame.
Mr Mpogolo further said that electricity remains one of the most frequently raised concerns, making close collaboration between leaders and TANESCO crucial in resolving challenges and improving supply.
He also urged district leaders and TANESCO to expand such training to other parts of the city to enhance awareness and strengthen relations between the utility and local authorities.
Acting Director of Communications and Customer Service at TANESCO, Irene Gowelle, representing the company’s Managing Director, Lazaro Twange said the power utility has introduced a strategy to improve engagement with local leaders to fast-track service delivery and project implementation.
She said through the training, leaders are being briefed on strategic projects underway in their areas and how they can serve as an important link between TANESCO and the communities.
“These leaders are the eyes and ears of the government in their localities. Working closely with them enables us to reach citizens faster and more reliably,” she said.
Chairperson of Local Government Leaders in Dar es Salaam Region, Juma Mwegamno, thanked TANESCO for involving the leaders and equipping them with knowledge on electricity projects, an effort he said enhances their ability to provide accurate information to residents in line with the constitution.
He pointed to progress in major initiatives including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), which has been reported as 100 per cent complete.
Mr Mwegamno added that local leaders are ready to work closely with the government and TANESCO to deliver electricity education, information and services to the public.
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