Iddi Azzan

Kinondoni  legislator Iddi Azzan has pinned down the government to explain reasons for unending and unplanned power cuts in Kinondoni constituency and Dar es Salaam city in general.

He said despite the fact that the government through the ministry of energy and minerals has been saying that power cuts were now a thing of the past people in his constituency were still experiencing the same.

In his basic question he had asked the government to clearly state when power cuts would end.

Replying to his question, deputy minister for energy and minerals George Simbachawene said since February, this year, Kinondoni district has not experienced rationing at all.

“When it happens it is just nornal power faults, such as a fallen power pole or regular maintenance going on,” stressed the minister.

He defended Tanzania Electric Supply Company, saying it has always been informing the public two to three days in advance before undertaking any maintenabce work.

The deputy minister stressed that the there was no plan for further power rationing , saying his ministry is set to ensure that all efforts are made to do away with rationing.

In another development, the deputy minister has said that a total of 1.5 bn/- is needed for the supply was electricity in Ruvu ward, Coast region.

Simbachawene said funds would be spent on the construction of a 28-km 33 Kv line from  Mlandizi to Mzenga.

“A total of eight transformers will be installed and the project is expected to benefit 400 people,” Simbachawene said.

He said part of the project will be implemented under the support of the Rural Energy Agency (REA), adding that it would be executed in this financial year in Kikongo and Lupunga villages.

“For villages in Ruvu Station and Kitomondo wards the project will be implemented in phase II which is expected to start from the financial year 2012/2013,” added Simbachawene when responding to a question from Kibaha Rural member of parliament (CCM) Hamoud Abuu Jumaa.

Jumaa had wanted to know when the government would implement President Kikwete's pledge made in 2010 to supply power Ruvu ward.