The newly inaugurated substation in Ifakara, funded by the EU, aims to address long-standing issues of unreliable power. This TZS 25 billion project is part of a larger EU-Tanzania partnership focused on improving the country’s energy sector.
The journey along the Ifakara-Kidatu road offers travelers a glimpse into the future of Ifakara. This vital 67-kilometer stretch, nearing completion with support from the European Union (EU), is not just a quicker route; it is a symbol of progress for the strategic town of Ifakara, nestled in the heart of the Kilombero district in Morogoro region.
Often called “mji wa mchele” – Swahili for “town of rice” – Ifakara is a leading producer of the nation’s staple food and a thriving center for agriculture and business. However, Ifakara’s potential for even greater prosperity has long been hampered by one crucial constraint: reliable power.
This challenge was recently addressed with the grand inauguration of a substation in Ifakara. The event was led by Dr. Doto Biteko, Tanzania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, and Christine Grau, EU Ambassador to Tanzania, and attended by government officials, religious leaders, and local residents.
Constructed with a total investment of TZS 25 billion, including TZS 18 billion from the EU under the 10th European Development Fund, the Ifakara substation has already begun transforming lives. Prior to its construction, the area faced frequent outages and insufficient power. In just one year, monthly outage time has dropped from eighteen (18) hours to just forty nine (49) minutes, significantly enhancing power reliability.
This reliable power supply has revitalized 54 commercial projects, improving livelihoods and businesses. Additionally, the substation has connected vital social amenities like schools and health centers, and most importantly, brought electricity to 1,745 rural households, significantly improving their living conditions.
At the inauguration, EU Ambassador Grau spoke of the long-standing partnership in energy between Tanzania and the European Union, underscoring how the EU considers energy one of the fundamental building blocks for inclusive socioeconomic growth and sustainable development.
“The Ifakara sub-station is a critical part of this vision and is just one of 14 energy projects under ongoing cooperation with Tanzania valued at TZS 601.6 billion.” said Ambassador Grau.
She added, “This significant financial support has been instrumental in promoting rural electrification, clean cooking solutions, renewable energy sources, power generation and transmission upgrades, energy efficiency measures, and crucial sector reforms.”
Ambassador Grau reiterated the EU’s support for Tanzania’s goal of universal electricity access by 2030, stressing the importance of renewable energy and strategic investments through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, of which she said the substation embodies its spirit.
Thanking the EU for its support, Dr. Biteko reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring reliable energy access for its citizens and driving and accelerating economic and social development in the country.
“In the 2024/25 financial year, the Ministry of Energy will continue to take strong measures to oversee, strengthen, and develop the energy sector, aiming to ensure this sector contributes effectively to the development of our nation and its people as expected,” he said.
This blog story was originally published on The Guardian newspaper
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