WAZIRI NDEJEMBI LAYS FOUNDATION STONE FOR BENACO–KYAKA POWER TRANSMISSION PROJECT






📌 Project aims to connect Kagera Region to the National Grid

📌 More than TZS 270 billion to be invested in the project

The Minister for Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, has laid the foundation stone for the construction of the 220kV Benaco–Kyaka power transmission line and the Benaco Substation project, which is expected to connect Kagera Region to the National Grid.

The event took place today, May 9, 2026, in Benaco area, Ngara District, Kagera Region, and was attended by various government leaders, TANESCO officials, and local residents.

Speaking during the ceremony, Hon. Ndejembi said the Government continues to strengthen the energy sector by ensuring citizens receive reliable electricity services to stimulate economic and social development.

He stated that the project is expected to cost more than TZS 270 billion and will be completed within 24 months.

“Today we are here to demonstrate the Government’s commitment to ensuring citizens have access to reliable electricity. For electricity services to reach people even in remote villages, there must be strong power transmission and distribution infrastructure,” said Ndejembi.

He further explained that the 220kV transmission line has a much greater capacity compared to the current 132kV line that imports electricity from Uganda. The project will officially integrate Kagera Region into the National Grid and address persistent electricity challenges in the region.

“We expect that within 24 months Kagera Region will be connected to the National Grid and electricity challenges for citizens will become history,” he said.

Minister Ndejembi also directed TANESCO management to ensure citizens do not continue to wait for electricity services for long periods by sourcing larger transformers to improve electricity access while the project implementation continues.

At the same time, he urged contractors to complete the project on schedule without delays, while emphasizing the importance of providing employment opportunities to local residents and ensuring timely compensation for those affected by the project.

“I urge contractors to complete this project on time without any delays. Likewise, ensure that local citizens benefit through employment opportunities and timely compensation payments,” he said.

On his part, TANESCO Managing Director, Mr. Lazaro Twange, said the project has been allocated a total of USD 105.6 million, equivalent to more than TZS 279 billion, for the implementation of the two projects.

He said all contractors have already received advance payments to commence work, while compensation payments to citizens are ongoing, with more than TZS 1.7 billion already disbursed in the first phase.

Mr. Twange noted that Karagwe, Misenyi, Muleba, Bukoba Rural, and Bukoba Municipality currently receive electricity from Uganda through the 132kV Masaka–Kyaka transmission line.

“This project will improve the reliability of electricity supply and support economic activities and production in Kagera Region. TANESCO is committed to ensuring the project is implemented according to the required standards and completed on time,” said Mr. Twange.

Meanwhile, TANESCO Board Member, Ms. Zuhura Bundala, thanked the Government under the leadership of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and the Ministry of Energy for continuing to oversee the implementation of major development projects in the country.

She said the project will create various development opportunities for Kagera residents through increased economic activities, youth employment, and improved household incomes.

“This project will open up many development opportunities for the people of Kagera by increasing economic activities, creating jobs for youth, and boosting the economy of both citizens and the nation at large,” said Ms. Bundala.

On behalf of the TANESCO Board, she pledged continued supervision of the project to ensure it is completed on time and delivers the intended benefits to citizens.

Speaking on behalf of the Regional Commissioner, Ngara District Commissioner, Mr. Mathias Kahabi, thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister for Energy for continuing to invest in electricity development projects in the district.

He said that in Ngara Constituency, all 75 villages have already been connected to electricity services, while 219 out of 389 hamlets have also been electrified.

Concluding the event, Minister Ndejembi said the Government will continue investing in strategic energy projects to ensure citizens receive reliable and quality services.

“The Sixth Phase Government under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan will continue investing in electricity projects to ensure citizens receive reliable services and a conducive environment for development activities. This project marks the beginning of major economic transformation for Kagera Region,” said Ndejembi.

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