Shinyanga. The Kishapu solar power project, currently under construction in Ngunga Village, Shinyanga Region, has reached 63.3 percent completion, with the first phase expected to generate 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity to be fed into the national grid by the end of October this year.
This was revealed over the weekend, by the managing director of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (Tanesco), Mr Lazaro Twange, during an inspection visit to assess the progress of the project.
The project, whose first phase is being implemented at a cost of Sh118 billion, is expected to produce a total of 150 MW upon full completion, with the second phase—budgeted at Sh204 billion—planned to add an additional 100 MW to the grid.
“We are grateful to Her Excellency the President for providing funds for both phases of the project. As you can see, the work is progressing well. The first phase will be connected to the national grid by the end of October to help serve citizens with electricity,” said Mr Twange.
He added: “We are also in the final stages of the procurement process to secure a contractor for the implementation of the second phase.”
The TANESCO chief further assured the public that the company is making concerted efforts to ensure timely completion of the project, in line with growing electricity demand and the expanding pace of investments that rely on energy to operate efficiently.
Project Manager Engineer Emmanuel Andarson explained that while the project was initially scheduled for completion in February this year, the contractor was granted an extension due to certain challenges encountered during execution.
However, he gave assurances that the contractor would deliver the project in accordance with contractual terms.
The solar power project commenced implementation on December 8, 2023, and is scheduled for full completion by October 29, 2025.
The entire undertaking is valued at Sh323 billion for both phases, and is projected to supply a total of 150 megawatts of electricity into the national grid.
