Tanzanian PM Orders TANESCO to Improve Electricity Connection Services

Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has ordered the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) to stop bureaucracy and delays in providing electricity connection services. The directive was issued by the Prime Minister during the closing of the Energy Week exhibition in Dodoma on April 19, 2024.

TANESCO, the state-owned power utility, has been facing criticism over delays and red tape in connecting households and businesses to the electricity grid. Many citizens have complained about the lengthy and cumbersome process of obtaining electricity connections, which has hindered access to power in various parts of the country.

In his speech, Prime Minister Majaliwa emphasized the importance of efficient and timely electricity connection services for the socio-economic development of Tanzania. He stressed that access to reliable electricity is critical for improving the lives of citizens, driving industrial growth, and attracting investments.

The Prime Minister's order comes as a strong message to TANESCO to streamline its operations and eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. He urged the company to simplify its procedures, reduce processing times, and ensure that citizens can obtain electricity connections without undue delays.

Why this matters: Improving access to electricity is vital for Tanzania's development goals. Efficient electricity connection services can boost economic activities, support small businesses, and enhance the quality of life for millions of Tanzanians.

Despite the Prime Minister's criticism, TANESCO has also received praise for its ongoing efforts to expand electricity access. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Dotto Biteko, commended TANESCO for continuing to do a good job in ensuring citizens have access to electricity. The company recently signed an agreement with the Rural Energy Agency (REA) to implement the second phase of a project aimed at distributing electricity to 5,000 households in a village.

In his concluding remarks, Prime Minister Majaliwa reiterated the government's commitment to supporting TANESCO in its mission to provide reliable and affordable electricity to all Tanzanians. He called upon the company to take swift action against anyone found stealing electricity and urged customers to ensure all payment issues are resolved to avoid disconnections.

Key Takeaways

• Tanzanian PM orders TANESCO to reduce bureaucracy in electricity connections.
• TANESCO faces criticism over delays in providing electricity to households and businesses.
• PM emphasizes efficient electricity access is crucial for Tanzania's development.
• TANESCO praised for efforts to expand electricity access, signs deal with REA.
• PM reiterates govt support for TANESCO, calls for action against electricity theft.