Homera Calls for Faster Delivery of Songea–Tunduru–Masasi Power Lines
The Government of Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the national electricity infrastructure by directing the accelerated implementation of the TZS 308.47 billion Songea–Tunduru–Masasi power transmission projects. Spanning 391 kilometres, the projects are expected to enhance electricity supply reliability, facilitate investment and promote sustainable socioeconomic development across the country's southern regions.
RUVUMA, Tanzania, Oct. 26, 2026 — Tanzania's Energy Minister Juma Zuberi Homera has ordered closer supervision of contractors working on two major electricity transmission projects worth a combined 308.47 billion Tanzanian shillings, as the government seeks to improve power reliability in the country's southern regions.
The projects involve the construction of 391 kilometres of 220-kilovolt transmission lines linking Songea, Tunduru and Masasi, alongside a new electricity substation in Tunduru.
Homera issued the directive during an inspection visit on October 25, calling on the state-owned Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to accelerate construction and ensure the projects are completed on schedule.
The infrastructure is expected to strengthen Tanzania's national electricity grid and improve power supplies to communities, businesses and industries in Ruvuma, Lindi and Mtwara.
Construction progress reaches 56% on Songea–Tunduru section
According to TANESCO Deputy Managing Director for Planning, Research and Investment Amos Kaihula, construction of the Songea–Tunduru transmission line has reached 56%, while work on the Tunduru–Masasi section stands at 34%.
The first section covers 214 kilometres and includes construction of a new substation in Tunduru. The second extends 177 kilometres from Tunduru to Masasi.
"I have assessed the progress of the project. TANESCO must closely supervise the contractor to ensure that implementation is accelerated," Homera said during the inspection.
"The government is determined to see communities in the southern regions benefit from investments in the energy sector, which plays a vital role in economic and social development."
Tanzania invests TZS 308.47 billion in electricity infrastructure
The projects are being implemented by India's Kalpataru Projects International Limited.
The Songea–Tunduru section is valued at TZS 150.78 billion, while the Tunduru–Masasi section costs TZS 157.69 billion, bringing the combined investment to TZS 308.47 billion.
The investment forms part of Tanzania's efforts to expand and reinforce its electricity transmission network, particularly in regions where reliable power is essential for industrial production, commercial activities and public services.
Kaihula said TANESCO was intensifying oversight of construction activities to ensure timely completion while maintaining technical and quality standards.
"These projects are essential to ensuring that communities in southern Tanzania have access to a reliable electricity supply," he said.
"We are intensifying our supervision of the contractor to ensure timely and efficient completion, enabling the projects to deliver their intended benefits to the nation."
Improved electricity supply expected to support economic growth
The transmission lines are expected to improve electricity distribution capacity and strengthen the stability of Tanzania's national grid.
For businesses and industries in southern Tanzania, improved electricity reliability could reduce operational disruptions and support increased production.
The projects are also expected to support investment opportunities, trade and the expansion of economic activities across Ruvuma, Lindi and Mtwara.
Tanzania has been expanding its electricity generation and transmission infrastructure as part of broader efforts to improve energy access and support long-term economic development.
Once operational, the Songea–Tunduru–Masasi transmission corridor is expected to play an important role in strengthening electricity supply across the country's southern regions.