Residents of Mkangwe village elated at the prospects that come with being connected to electricity at last

Iringa. Residents of Mkangwe Village in Idunda Ward, Mufindi District, Iringa Region, have commended the government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) for extending electricity services to their village.

They made the remarks yesterday during the electricity lighting ceremony at Mkangwe Dispensary, Mkangwe Village, which was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister Dotto Biteko, who is also the Minister of Energy during evening hours.

They said that the presence of electricity is going to improve the lives and health of the residents as they would reduce the use of firewood and kerosene for lighting purposes.

Mr Octavian Nganevano, a resident of Mkangwe Village who engages in grain milling, especially maize flour, in the village, said he was delighted to have electricity from the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

He mentioned that before the arrival of electricity in their village, he used diesel fuel to operate the milling machine, which incurred significant costs.

"We are pleased with the government through REA and TANESCO for bringing electricity to our village because it will improve our lives and facilitate our activities," he said.

Mr Nganevano added that since using electricity to grind maize flour, the number of customers has increased, although the challenge of power outages sometimes affects their work.

Mr Donati Msagamasi, also a resident of Mkangwe in Idunda Ward, said that having electricity in their village, especially at Mkangwe Primary School, would enhance education as students would be able to print exams and have light for night studies.

Dr Ecclesia Sigala, the Medical Officer in Charge of Mkangwe Dispensary, praised the government for extending electricity services to the dispensary, as it would aid in providing services to mothers during night hours and to the community in general.

Electricity would also facilitate sterilisation of equipment for healthcare services, reducing the risk of infections from using unsterilised medical tools.

Chairman of Mkangwe Village, Mr Abel Saidi Mwanulile mentioned various challenges facing the village, including water and healthcare services. He stated that the village has long faced water challenges, currently relying on unsafe water sources such as streams and rainwater collection tanks which often leads to health risks.

Regarding healthcare services, Mwanulile said that villagers travel long distances to Ikangamwanu and Malangali Villages, 25 kilometres away, for medical services. He emphasised that the presence of Mkangwe Dispensary would bring healthcare services closer to the people.

Ms Halima Dendego, the Iringa Regional Commissioner, stated that in Mufindi South Constituency, there are a total of 71 villages, all electrified by REA. Out of these villages, there are 306 hamlets, with 191 of them having electricity.

Deputy Prime Minister Dotto Biteko, who is also the Minister of Energy, commended contractors for constructing electricity infrastructure in Mkangwe Village, Idunda Ward, Mufindi District, Iringa Region.

However, he urged all REA contractors nationwide to complete their projects on time.

"The pace of development desired by the citizens is high, and we also aim to increase this pace. I urge all contractors who are delaying in delivering services to the citizens to stop immediately," said Biteko.

Furthermore, Biteko encouraged citizens to elect leaders who understand their problems in the upcoming local government elections.

"During the local government elections, do not let ethnicity, religion, or where someone comes from divide you, but choose leaders based on their qualities," he said.