Rural power projects attract continued donor support

AILY NEWS Reporters in Dodoma

KATARE MBASHIRU in Korogwe

DONORS have expressed their satisfaction over rural electrification projects that are currently undertaken by the Rural Energy Agency (REA).

According to development partners (DPs), the projects will help the country boost its economy and reduce poverty among Tanzanians living in rural areas.

Speaking in Korogwe and Same districts in Tanga and Kilimanjaro regions respectively on their first day of their tour to inspect REA projects, the donors expressed their continued support to the government of Tanzania to ensure that many people are benefiting from electricity.

“I am convinced that now many women are benefiting and utilising the power they are getting to improve their lives,” said a representative of the Swedish embassy, Ms Maria Beclekom.

According to her, the government of Sweden has been working with Tanzania for many years to ensure that many people were accessing electricity. Programme Manager, Energy Section for Natural Resources at the European Union (EU) delegation to Tanzania and the East African Community, Mr Mikael Melin said EU was also satisfied with the ongoing projects.

Mr Melin who was speaking at Gonjanza Mung’ende village in Same District said EU would extend its support to Tanzanian in the coming years to boost rural electrification projects.

REA is currently finalising its second phase projects expected to reach climax at the end of next month before embarking on the third phase which will kick off in the next financial year.

According to Dr Gerd- Henning Vogel of the Germany Embassy, who is the Team Leader Renewable Energy Advisor to REA, the energy body has already done a lot in the implementation of various projects.

“With rural electrification, now people can have more income and access to various opportunities,” he said. A farmer at Kwedizinga village in Lushoto District, Mr Hamad Idd, said after electrification in his village, he managed to make his dream a reality.

Mr Idd who owns a milling machine in the village said the income he has been earning has helped him to establish another business of selling fruits. Accompanied by REA senior officials, donors are currently on their tour to oversee various projects undertaken by the energy body