Malagarasi power project reaches 31.7pc completion

KIGOMA: THE Malagarasi hydropower project in Uvinza District, Kigoma Region, has reached 31.7 per cent completion, with authorities urging the contractor to accelerate work and ensure the project is delivered on schedule despite heavy rains.

The 49.5-megawatt project, valued at 430bn/-, is expected to strengthen electricity supply and support economic development in Kigoma Region and the country at large.

TANESCO project manager, Mr Majuba Mzungu, gave the update during a visit by Kigoma Regional Administrative Secretary, Mr Hassan Rugwa, who inspected progress at the project site.

“The project had already enabled 750 households in the project area to connect to the national electricity grid,” Mr Mzungu said.

He further said the project comprises three major components, including the construction of a 54-kilometre, 132-kilovolt transmission line linking the Malagarasi power generation site to the Kidahwe substation.

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“It also includes extending the national grid from Kidahwe to seven villages affected by the project, as well as works at the hydropower generation site,” he said.

During the inspection, Mr Rugwa cautioned the Chinese contractor, Dongfang Electric International Corporation (DEC), to take precautions against heavy El Niño rains that could disrupt construction and delay completion.

“The project is vital to the development of Kigoma Region and the country, the government must closely monitor implementation to ensure the contractor meets contractual obligations,” he said.

Mr Rugwa expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, particularly in view of delays encountered earlier, but urged TANESCO project managers and the consulting engineer to intensify supervision to keep the project on schedule.

He said all parties involved should take the necessary measures to prevent further setbacks and ensure timely completion.

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