THE Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, Dr Medard
Kalemani, has issued a 14-day ultimatum for completion of the Power transmission
line at Gongo la Mboto on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, as a part of Tanzania
Energy Development and Access Expansion Project (TEDAP).
With sponsorship of over US 32 million dollars from the
World Bank, TEDAP’s objective is to improve the quality and efficiency of
electricity service supply and to establish a sustainable basis for energy
access expansion, plus renewable energy development in the country.
The deputy minister said that the five-year project (2009
to 2013) was five years behind schedule, saying the contractor was responsible
for the delay and thus liable to pay a 10 per cent penalty.
“The project cost was pegged to the dollar. It is obvious
that there is a huge difference in currency exchange rates since 2009. The
contractor must shoulder this burden.
At the same time, I am ordering for the transfer of the
project supervisors because maladministration was the main cause of the delay
and people are tired of frequent power cuts,” the visibly upset Dr Kalemani
said.
Besides Gongo la Mboto, he also toured Mbagala, Kurasini
and Kigamboni power distribution stations, which are similarly affected by
project implementation delays, prompting him to issue separate five-day
ultimatums for completion.
Over 12,000 clients are expected to benefit from power
supply from the current 30,000 in Kigamboni, upon completion of expansions and
installation of distribution lines. Apart from the major distribution plant at
Kigamboni, the deputy minister also visited the site of its sub-transmission
plant.
He expressed dismay over delays in embarking on
construction activities, for which the government had already set aside 5bn/-.
However, Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco)
Managing Director, Dr Tito Mwinuka, clarified, however, that work was being
held back by pending permits, including one from the National Environment
Management Council.
Kigamboni District Commissioner (DC) Hashim Mgandilwa and
Member of Parliament (MP) Faustine Ndungulile voiced complaints over frequent
power interruptions averaging three a day. “Power cuts constitute one of the
reasons behind stagnation of economic and development activities in this
district.
It is really demoralising,” said the MP. On a positive
note, however, both praised Tanesco for power connection for service seekers
within seven days.
Source: Daily News TZ