A new industrial facility for the production of 120 concrete poles per day has been unveiled in Tabora,Dr. Doto Biteko, the deputy premier and Energy minister, stated at the foundation stone laying ceremony at the weekend that the ongoing construction of a concrete electric pole factory reflects the growing demand for modern utility poles.

He commended the management at the Tanzania Concrete Poles Manufacturing Co. Ltd (TCPM), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tanzania Electric Supply Co. (TANESCO) and key stakeholders for efforts in implementing this project.

He said the plant is expected to meet regional and neighbouring countries demand, thus stimulating economic growth while supporting energy infrastructure expansion.

The minister affirmed that market trends indicate an increasing need for concrete poles, thus creating significant business opportunities for TCPM, he stated, citing information that construction is 73 percent complete. 

“I trust the remaining work will be finalized efficiently and within the scheduled timeframe,” he said, demanding that TCPM complete the project within the next two months.

He instructed the power company to disburse 4bn/- to expedite its completion, explaining that President Samia Suluhu Hassan wants all citizens to have access to electricity.

Tanzania's electricity demand was increasing by 10 to 15 percent annually, which underscores the urgent need for durable infrastructure such as concrete poles, as a sustainable alternative to traditional wooden poles.

TCPM needs to ensure high-quality pole production, setting a standard for other local manufacturers, the deputy premier stated, highlighting that the project, will drive direct and indirect employment in its supply chain.

“For instance, in the 2023/2024 financial year, we distributed 19,368 poles. As of last month that number the number had risen to 34,181 which is a 76 percent increase,” he said, citing job creation in this expanding sector.

All villages in the country are now connected to electricity, and the government is moving forward with connecting 20,000 sub-villages, he said, remarking that Tabora Region was a priority in that drive.

Yusuph Kitivo, the TCPM general manager, said that concrete poles from the factory have already been deployed in Katavi and Tabora, with over 80,000 poles delivered to TANESCO. 

“Every district in Tanzania now has TCPM concrete poles,” he said, noting that the project licked off late October 2024, as part of the government's broader efforts to ensure reliable electricity supply using long-lasting materials.

The 6bn/- project is expected to meet all required quality standards upon completion, he said.

Once complete, the company will support the construction of another facility in Mbeya, spurring cross-sectoral business growth, he added.