THE Julius Nyerere Hydro-power Project along Rufiji River has reached 11 percent of its completion, with the government expressing its satisfaction on the project’s progress.
Speaking yesterday in Dar es Salaam, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Prof Sifuni Mchome said after completion, the project will help to improve electricity supply to boost the industrialisation drive.
Prof Mchome made the remarks after visiting the Julius Nyerere Hydro-power Project and expressed his satisfaction on the progress of the project.
He further said the hydro-power electricity plant at Stiegler’s Gorge will make it possible for the country to produce affordable and reliable electricity for Tanzania to attain an industrialised middleincome economy by 2025.
According to him, after completion, the project will help reduce destruction of the environment, which is important for water sources in the country.
“This project is ongoing, and we can also use it as a commodity since we can export it to other countries that are in need,” he said.
The project Manager, Eng. Steven Manda said the project is located about 340 kilometers from Dar es Salaam.
He said the purpose of the project is flood control, electricity generation as well as environmental protection.
He noted that the Julius Nyerere Dam is expected to produce 2,115 megawatts of electricity when completed.
According to the Managing Director of Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), Dr Tito Mwinuka, this project is expected to be complete in June 2022.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Ms Zena Saidi said there will be a lot of low-priced power, where people in villages where electrification is underway will be able to use power.
“After completion of the project, it will not only help the citizens, but even the local industries, “she said.
She explained that the meeting has brought together ministries with a view of getting a collective understanding and the involvement of the ministries in this great project.
