Tanzania has officially inaugurated the $9.6 million (approximately 25 billion shillings) Ifakara Substation in Morogoro's Kilombero district, aiming to address the town's power instability affecting residents and businesses.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, launched the 20 MVA power station on Friday, emphasizing its role in serving residents in the Malinyi, Ulanga, and Kilombero districts of the Morogoro region. Dr. Biteko highlighted that the new station will significantly boost the local economy by powering industries and social service facilities.
“Our government seriously prioritizes access to energy. As the Ministry, our focus is not making plans but delivering electricity to the people ... this is a necessity, not a luxury commodity,” Dr. Biteko stated during the inauguration. The construction of the substation began in 2020 with additional financial support from the European Union.
Dr. Biteko tasked the state-run utility firm TANESCO and the Rural Energy Agency (REA) with enhancing the facility's operations to stimulate economic growth. The power station is expected to support the ongoing construction of a large-scale mining project in Ulanga district and power at least 54 value-added factories in the area.
In conjunction with this project, the government announced plans to build a 68 km-long power distribution line, projected to cost over 104 billion shillings.
EU Ambassador to Tanzania, Christine Grau, praised the Ministry of Energy, REA, TANESCO, and the contractors for completing the project, noting its potential to transform the economic and social lives of the local population. She emphasized the long-standing energy partnership between Tanzania and the European Union, highlighting its importance for sustainable development.
“This cooperation has focused on various areas, including Clean Cooking Energy,” Grau remarked. “This project (Ifakara) will enable citizens and institutions to gain reliable electricity, necessary for economic advancement.”