23 February 2014, Dar es Salaam – TWO of the four generators to be set up at the Kinyerezi 1 power project that upon completion will produce 150megawatts, have arrived in the country ready for installation.
The Project Manager of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO),Eng Saimon Jilima said in Dar es Salaam port that the generators and transformers will be able to produce 75 megawatts and each complete generator costs 26million US dollars.
“We are expecting that early next week some parts of transformers will be laid into its base ready for the installation process next month,” said Eng Jilima.
He further added that this are the basic steps toward the completion of power projects which will be able to serve larger community to curb electricity problems which are currently perceived as common.
Through a loan of 1.9tri/- from Exim Bank of China, Tanzania is implementing the mega pipeline project that will also include construction of gas processing plants at Madimba in Mtwara and Songo Songo Island in Lindi.
It will also include two power plants at Kinyerezi with capacities of generating 150MW and 240MW, respectively. Expounding further he said that the total project cost for Kinyerezi 1 is amounting to 183million US dollars and will be completed by October this year while Kinyerezi 2 will be completed in one and half years.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, Mr Eliakim Maswi, said that they are fulfilling the orders given by the president in which he ordered them to make sure the construction of the power plants should go parallel with laying of the gas pipelines.
“The project is expected to be a relief to many residents who have been facing power problems for many years,” he said. The PS further said that the second phase of the generators are expected to arrive in March to ensure the installation process is completed as planned without any difficulties.
Mr Maswi said that such equipment when completed will help reduce the cost of generating electricity and is the government’s commitment to ensure relieves of power in the country.
Managing Director of TANESCO, Mr Felchesmi Mramba said the arrival of these consignments is the implementation of investment history that has long not been invested. “Completion of the Kinyerezi 1 project is the proper answer to improving the infrastructure to support electronic access,” said Mramba.
The Kinyerezi power plant will be Tanzania’s first natural gas power plant which once start to operate, the plant is expected to cover about 20 per cent of the country’s electricity demand.
*Hilda Mhagama – Tanzania Daily News