Makambako, Madaba, Songea power project in advanced stage
What you need to know:
- High tension transmission line nears completion
- Construction of three substations underway
- Thousands of villagers to be connected without payment much
Njombe. A major power project to give Ruvuma and Njombe Regions reliable power supply is in advanced stage.
The project manager, Eng Didas Lyamuya told a team of editor at Makambako that the project involves construction of transmission line from Makambako to Songea through Madaba, construction of three substations as well as distribution of electricity to more than 120 villages where the power line will pass.
“All these works are undertaken concurrently. Construction of transmission line is underway and next week we will start lying the cables as we are almost done in construction the power towers. Construction of substations in Makambako, Madaba and Songea is also underway. We have another contractor who is dealing with connecting the power to the customers,” he said.
According to Eng Lyamuya, from next Monday, October 16, the distribution contractor will start connecting the individual customers.
Some of the villagers who will benefit from the project have already done wiring in their houses waiting for the connection.
“These villagers will virtually pay nothing in connection fees. They are supposed to pay only Sh27, 000 which is VAT (Value Added Tax) and Tanesco will give them power,” said Eng Lyamuya.
He said the first phase of connections will be completed in December this year with the target of connecting 1,000 customers.
Completion of the project will ensure that the two regions get reliable power supply, essential for the support f the government industrialization drive, said Eng Lyamuya.
Currently, Rvuma Region, whose power demand stands at around 5mw relies of diesel generators and electricity produced from a hydropower project run by Roman Catholic nuns.
