SHINYANGA, Tanzania — Tanzania’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Energy and Minerals has praised the Ministry of Energy and the Rural Energy Agency (REA) for the rapid implementation of a nationwide program aimed at supplying electricity to 15 villages in every parliamentary constituency.
The remarks were made by the Committee Chairperson, Hon. Subira Mgalu, during an inspection tour of electrification projects in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region, where members were accompanied by Deputy Minister for Energy Hon. Salome Makamba.
Hon. Mgalu said Parliament approved funding for the 2025/2026 fiscal year to expand electricity access in rural areas through the REA program, a strategy that is already producing positive results across the country.
According to the committee, 90 villages in Shinyanga Region have already been connected to electricity, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving energy access for rural communities.
“We commend the Ministry of Energy for the effective implementation of this project through REA. The speed of electrification in rural villages is bringing new hope and improving the lives of citizens,” said Hon. Mgalu.
The committee also urged REA to prioritize connecting key public institutions such as health facilities, schools, water projects and religious institutions to ensure communities fully benefit from the electrification program.
Lawmakers further emphasized the need to maintain the Tanzania Shillings 27,000 connection fee, in line with President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision to ensure electricity reaches all villages across the country by 2030.
Deputy Minister for Energy Salome Makamba said electrification projects in Shinyanga are progressing well and are already supporting economic activities, small businesses and social services in rural communities.
During the visit, the parliamentary committee also witnessed the switch-on of electricity at Mine Dispensary in Msalala Constituency and the electrification of a grain milling machine in Kahama Urban Constituency, both implemented under the 15 Villages Electrification Project (HEP IIA).
The rural electrification initiative is expected to transform livelihoods by improving access to energy, economic productivity and essential public services in Tanzania’s rural areas.
