PARLIAMENTARY Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals has urged the government to secure funds to compensate residents affected by the Ruhudji and Rumakali power projects to enable them relocate and resume their lives as the projects await implementation.

The committee’s chairperson David Mathayo who is also MP for Same West, made the call yesterday after reviewing a progress report on power projects in Njombe Region.

 Mathayo called for swift compensation payments, noting that the valuation process was complete and the costs are known. He stressed that paying compensation would enable residents to move on with their lives while the government mobilises funds for the projects.

 “The valuation is done and the affected residents are aware of the compensation amounts. The government should now focus on securing funds to pay them so they can continue with their lives as project implementation progresses,” he said.

 The Ruhudji and Rumakali projects are expected to generate over 500 megawatts of electricity, boosting the national grid and improving power supply.

 The committee praised the government for expanding electricity access in the country. Mathayo noted that previously dubbed remote areas now have electricity, thanks to the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure and key services.

 The Rural Energy Agency (REA) and Tanzania Electric Supply Company Ltd (TANESCO) were commended for electrifying villages and neighbourhoods in Njombe Region, with some areas achieving 100 percent coverage despite infrastructure challenges.

 Deputy Energy Minister Judith Kapinga said the ministry and its institutions have acknowledged the committee’s recommendations.

 On compensation, Kapinga confirmed that the government has a policy of compensating residents affected by development projects, including the Ruhudji and Rumakali projects, valued at 63bn/-. She cited successful compensation for other projects, such as the Tanzania-Zambia transmission interconnector (TAZA) power project and the Katavi grid extension project.

 The government aims to provide reliable electricity to all citizens, with over 98 percent of villages in Njombe Region already connected. Only nine villages remain, and efforts are underway to address challenges and ensure they receive electricity.

 By 2030, the government targets 75 percent nationwide electricity coverage, with increased use of clean cooking energy.

 “The government is finalising the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project which will generate 2,115 megawatts. Once completed, focus will shift to implementing the Ruhudji and Rumakali projects to further strengthen the country’s energy capacity,” Kapinga said.

 Jones Olotu, REA Acting Director General, acknowledged the challenges of extending electricity to remote areas along Lake Nyasa due to poor road infrastructure. He assured that a specialised contractor would be hired, and feasibility studies are underway.

 Olotu said electricity distribution in the areas was expected to be completed by June this year, ensuring that all targeted villages are connected.

 Renata Ndege, TANESCO Acting Managing Director, confirmed that the Ruhudji and Rumakali projects will cost over 4trn/-. Once completed, they will enhance electricity supply, boost economic growth, create jobs and improve road infrastructure and social services.