Tabora. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr Doto Biteko, has said the completion of the TCPM concrete pole manufacturing plant in Tabora Region is expected to address the growing demand for modern power distribution infrastructure in the region and beyond, while also contributing to the national economy.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the construction of the TCPM plant on May 3, 2025, Dr Biteko noted that once operational, the factory—designed to produce 120 concrete poles per day—will meet the region’s electricity infrastructure needs and help accelerate rural electrification initiatives.
“I commend the leadership of TCPM and all stakeholders for their dedication to overseeing this strategic project,” Dr Biteko said. “I have been informed that implementation has reached 73 percent. I am hopeful the remaining work will be completed effectively and within the remaining two months.”
He directed the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco) to disburse Sh4 billion to TCPM to fast-track the completion of the project, noting that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has issued clear instructions that every citizen must have access to electricity.
Dr Biteko underscored that electricity demand in the country is rising at an annual rate of between 10 and 15 percent, necessitating modern infrastructure such as durable concrete poles, which are a viable alternative to wooden poles.
He urged TCPM to ensure the poles produced meet the highest quality standards so as to set a benchmark for other private manufacturers in the sector.
“The plant will also stimulate both direct and indirect employment through various stages of the value chain,” Dr Biteko added, citing statistics that illustrate the sector’s recent expansion.
“Last financial year (2023/24), 19,368 poles were distributed. This financial year (2024/25), as of April, that figure has risen to 34,181—an increase of 76 percent, reflecting the sector’s job-creation potential.”
The Minister further revealed that the government has now electrified all villages across the country and is embarking on the next phase of supplying power to 20,000 sub-villages nationwide, with Tabora among the priority regions.
In his remarks, Dr Biteko also championed the adoption of clean cooking energy, highlighting that the government is rolling out the 2024–2034 National Strategy for Clean Cooking Energy, which aims to ensure that 80 percent of Tanzanians use clean energy for cooking by 2034.
On a different note, and with an eye to the forthcoming General Election in October 2025, Dr Biteko urged residents of Tabora not to allow political divisions to undermine the region’s development efforts. He called on them to continue supporting President Samia’s administration in its mission to uplift communities across the country.
“In the upcoming General Election, let us not be swayed or misled by narrow differences. Such divisions may last a short while, but their consequences can be long-lasting,” he cautioned.
Meanwhile, Special Seats MP for Tabora Region, Ms Munde Tambwe, called on the government to consider constructing a tobacco processing plant in the region, citing Tabora’s high production of the crop and the potential for youth employment.
Permanent Secretary in the ministry of Energy, Felchesmi Mramba, said the event marked a critical milestone in strengthening the use of durable and cost-effective poles in electricity distribution.
“Wooden poles have failed in some locations, particularly in waterlogged or fire-prone areas. Concrete poles, by contrast, are long-lasting and environmentally friendly. Some installed in Tanga Region remain intact to this day,” he said.
The TCPM General Manager, Yusuph Kitivo, said the plant is wholly owned by the government through TANESCO and is part of a broader effort to ensure a reliable electricity supply nationwide.
He said over 80,000 poles from TCPM have already been distributed to TANESCO and are being used in Katavi, Tabora and other regions.
“The factory project was launched on October 30, 2024, as part of government efforts to ensure Tanzania has access to long-lasting, high-quality infrastructure for stable power supply, which is a driver of economic development,” he said.
Mr Kitivo added that the Sh6 billion project is progressing according to plan, and once completed, it will pave the way for another plant in Mbeya Region, expanding national output and creating additional employment and business opportunities.
In a related development, Dr Biteko lauded the Electricity Transmission and Distribution Construction and Maintenance Company (ETDCO) for successfully implementing the 132kV transmission line project from Tabora to Urambo.
Speaking during a tour of the 132/33kV substation in Urambo District on May 2, 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister praised ETDCO’s efficiency, saying the company had delivered the project on time and brought tangible benefits to the country.
“Given ETDCO’s excellent performance, the company deserves to be entrusted with more projects of this nature,” Dr Biteko said.
