Makambako-Songea Project Powers 100,000 Tanzanians
The Makambako-Songea power project benefits 100,000 people, connecting 120 villages to reliable electricity.
Makambako-Songea Power Project Benefits 100,000 Tanzanians
Dodoma, Tanzania – The Makambako to Songea electricity project, spanning the Njombe and Ruvuma regions, has successfully connected 120 villages to a reliable power supply. This transformative project, which has cost a total of 165 billion Tanzanian Shillings, has directly benefitted approximately 100,000 people.
Speaking at the project's completion ceremony, Sweden’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Charlotte Ozaki Macias, highlighted that Sweden signed an agreement to fund the project back in 2008. As part of this commitment, Sweden pledged to contribute 165 billion Shillings toward the construction of power distribution networks and rural electrification projects.
“Thanks to this project, nearly 100,000 people across 120 villages now have access to reliable electricity,” said Macias, emphasizing the continued fruitful collaboration between the two nations in supporting Tanzania’s development.
Felchesmi Mramba, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, added that Sweden’s involvement has been instrumental in several rural electrification projects throughout Tanzania, including areas such as Makambako (Njombe), Urambo (Tabora), Serengeti (Mara), Simanjiro (Manyara), and Ukerewe (Mwanza).
The Makambako-Songea project, which was completed in 2019, is a 220-kilovolt line that stretches from Makambako through Njombe and Madaba, eventually extending to the districts of Mbinga, Nyasa, and Namtumbo. The expansion to Tunduru is still underway.
In another significant development, Mramba also mentioned ongoing efforts to upgrade the Hale Power Station in Tanga. Built in 1964, the facility had seen a drastic reduction in its power output from 21 megawatts to just 4 megawatts due to aging infrastructure. The major refurbishment, with Swedish support, is now over 50% complete and is expected to be finished by August 2026 at a cost of 49.9 billion Tanzanian Shillings, with Sweden contributing 60% and Tanzania covering the remaining 40%.
Once upgraded, the Hale Power Station is expected to significantly improve electricity availability in northern Tanzania, including the Tanga region.
What's Your Reaction?
