By Our Reporter
The Public Investments Committee (PIC) of Parliament visited the construction site of the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) on September 11, 2024, expressing satisfaction with the progress of the project, which has now reached 98.99% completion.
Speaking during the visit, the Committee’s Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Marry Masanja, noted that the government's investment in the project has yielded significant benefits, including an increase in the national grid's electricity capacity and the creation of numerous job opportunities for Tanzanians during the construction phase.
“The government has invested TSh 6.55 trillion—Tanzanians' money—into this project. So far, TSh 6.15 trillion has been paid to the contractor. Once the project is fully completed, we will have an abundance of electricity and will even be able to sell power to neighboring countries," said Hon. Masanja.
She further emphasized that the committee, which oversees government investments, is satisfied with the progress made on the JNHPP project and encouraged the government to continue investing in other strategic projects.
"I congratulate our President, Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan, for her oversight in this major strategic project and for allocating funds for its construction. Today, the project is 98.99% complete. It is a source of pride for every Tanzanian, and I urge the government to continue investing in impactful projects like this one," added Hon. Masanja.
Another member of the committee, Hon. Nicholaus Ngassa, the MP for Igunga Constituency, also praised the JNHPP, stating that it has significantly improved electricity supply across the country. He noted that many residents in Igunga now have access to reliable power.
"Electricity supply has continued to improve. In Igunga, many people now have access to electricity. I urge the people of Igunga and other areas to use this electricity wisely, particularly by adopting it as a clean cooking energy source to preserve the environment and move away from using firewood and charcoal. The electricity is available, and the cost is affordable," remarked Hon. Ngassa.
Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Mr. James Matarajio, highlighted those three turbines—units 9, 8, and 7—are already operational, contributing an additional 705 MW to the national grid. He added that two more turbines are undergoing testing, with unit 5 expected to be operational by November, and unit 3 slated to start in early 2025, bringing the total capacity to 2,115 MW.
Mr. Matarajio also expressed gratitude to the committee for visiting the project and showing support for its progress.
The JNHPP is one of Tanzania’s largest infrastructure projects, aimed at boosting the country’s electricity generation capacity and transforming it into a power hub in the region. Upon full completion, the project is expected to provide reliable and affordable energy, enhance industrialization, and create more opportunities for regional trade, particularly through exporting surplus electricity to neighboring countries. It also contributes to the country's efforts to shift towards sustainable energy sources, helping reduce the environmental impact of traditional energy practices.
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