Dodoma. The slow pace of the 400-kilovolt (kV) power transmission project from Chalinze to Zuzu in Dodoma has drawn sharp criticism from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dr Doto Biteko.
Dr Biteko inspected the project on August 20, 2025 at Manchali Village in Chamwino District, Dodoma Region, expressing dissatisfaction with its implementation.
The project, launched in November 2024, was expected to reach 31 per cent completion by now but has only achieved 24 per cent.
He ordered the contractor, China’s TBEA, to recover the seven per cent lost time and ensure the project is completed on schedule, emphasising its national importance.
In November 2024, the government agreed with the contractor to shorten the project timeline from 22 to 19 months, given that preliminary works, including feasibility studies and land allocation, had already been completed.
“Seven months have passed since the project launch. We expected 31 per cent completion by now, yet it stands at 24 per cent. This is unacceptable,” Dr Biteko said.
He rejected delays attributed to land disputes and rocky terrain, insisting that residents’ compensation rights be respected.
He instructed the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to use its internal funds to pay affected communities promptly.
Dr Biteko highlighted the project’s critical role, noting that the current transmission line from the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant to Dodoma carries only about 240 megawatts, equivalent to a single turbine out of nine.
The new 400 kV line is essential to meet growing electricity demand in Dodoma and ensure reliable supply to western regions including Singida, Tabora, Shinyanga, Mara and Kigoma.
The minister demanded a revised implementation plan, including measures to compensate for lost time, to be submitted within four days to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy.
He also instructed the contractor to increase manpower to erect the 917 transmission towers, noting that only around 100 foundations have been prepared so far.
Tanesco’s managing director, Lazaro Twange, reported that the project will transmit the full output of the 2,115 MW Julius Nyerere plant to the national grid and onward to areas in need.
He confirmed that the first payment of TZS 107 billion to the contractor and 15 per cent of the consultant’s fee have already been disbursed.
Completion is scheduled by June 2026 under the existing contract.
Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule, emphasised that the 400 kV line will position Dodoma as a key power distribution hub.
She assured that all directives from Dr Biteko would be followed to ensure timely project completion.
The project, spanning 345 kilometres from Chalinze in Pwani to Zuzu in Dodoma, involves 917 transmission towers and is funded with Sh513 billion from the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
