Dar es Salaam. On Wednesday this week, the city of Dodoma will be bustling with excitement as a momentous occasion unfolds—a milestone in Tanzania’s energy journey.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, is set to preside over the groundbreaking ceremony of a critical infrastructure project valued at Sh513 billion.
This project involves the construction of a 400-kilovolt power transmission line from Chalinze to Dodoma, coupled with the expansion of vital power substations, according to a press release availed to the media on Monday.
“It will not only boost the power grid’s capacity but also reinforce the delivery of electricity generated from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) to the central and northern regions of the country,” reads a part of the press release, signed by Ms Neema Mbuja on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy.
Tanzania, a country that has once struggled with power shortages, has now found itself on the cusp of a new era in energy distribution.
The 400-kilovolt transmission line will link Dodoma with the larger national grid, which is expected to significantly improve power access and reliability.
The completion of this project is especially crucial for Dodoma, the political heart of the nation, which has seen rapid growth in both governmental and industrial sectors.
This project, fully funded by the Government of Tanzania, will expand the substations in Chalinze-Pwani Region and Zuzu-Dodoma, allowing the grid to accommodate increased electricity demand.
These improvements will ensure a stable supply of power for the city and surrounding regions, while also facilitating electricity distribution to industrial zones in the northern and southeastern parts of the country.
These upgrades will pave the way for economic growth driven by the energy sector.
As the project progresses, it is expected that this expanded power infrastructure will fuel further industrialization, particularly in regions with burgeoning mining operations and other key sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing.
The impact of this project is anticipated to ripple throughout the country, catalyzing both public and private investment in previously underserved areas.
In terms of execution, the Chinese company TBEA Co. Ltd. has been selected as the contractor for the power transmission line and substation expansion.
Their expertise and experience in similar projects worldwide are seen as a vital asset in ensuring the timely and efficient completion of this transformative venture.
For the Tanzanian government, this project represents a clear strategic move to secure energy independence and advance the nation’s development goals.
With an eye towards sustainable growth, this initiative is just one of many steps that the government is taking to ensure that energy becomes a key driver for Tanzania’s future prosperity.
The groundbreaking ceremony, which will take place at the heart of Dodoma on Wednesday, this week, is not just a celebration of construction; it is a celebration of progress and the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future for all Tanzanians.
With this project, Tanzania is positioning itself as a regional leader in energy infrastructure, setting the stage for years of growth, stability, and prosperity in the power sector
