KIGOMA: CONTRACTOR building the 430bn/- Malagarasi hydropower project in Uvinza District, Kigoma Region has been urged to speed up work and keep to schedule, as heavy rains pose a challenge to construction in Uvinza District, Kigoma Region.
The 49.5-megawatt project is expected to boost electricity supply and support economic activities in Kigoma and other parts of the country.
TANESCO project manager Majuba Mzungu gave the update during a site visit by Kigoma Regional Administrative Secretary Hassan Rugwa, who inspected the progress of the project.
Mr Mzungu said the project had reached 31.7 per cent completion, adding that 750 households in the project area had already been connected to the national electricity grid.
He said the project involves three main components, including the construction of a 54-kilometre, 132-kilovolt transmission line linking the Malagarasi power generation site to the Kidahwe substation.
The other works include extending the national grid from Kidahwe to seven villages affected by the project and constructing the hydropower generation facilities.
Once completed, the project is expected to improve access to electricity and support economic development in the region.
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.