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Minister clarifies on power generators
2006-07-15 10:07:01
By Guardian Reporter
Energy and Minerals Minister Dr. Ibrahim Msabaha clarified yesterday on the importation of power generators, expected to alleviate power shortage, saying the generators were yet to arrive in the country.
On Wednesday, this paper misquoted Dr Msabaha as having said that the generators were already in the country and that installation was underway, pending completion of transaction arrangements by the Treasury.
However, in a statement issued in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the minister said: ”Some one failed to differentiate between conclusion of signing an agreement on the importation of the power generators and the actual arrival of the generators.”
The issue of power crisis affects many people, says part of the statement, adding that the public should not be misled.
Dr Msabaha also clarified on measures so far taken by the government to address the problem of load shedding.
”Tanesco signed an agreement with Wartsilla Oy company of Finland for installation of power generators, with the capacity to produce 100 megawatts.
Power production is expected to commence between April and May next year,” he said.
He said Tanesco and US-based Richmond Development Company had signed a lease agreement, under which the latter would install power generation machine of 105.6 megawatts.
Installation of the machine would commence on October, 2006 and work would be finalized on December, this year.
The government has concluded negotiations with Kiwira Company, says the statement, to pave the way for generation of 200 MW and sell it to Tanesco.
The project is expected to start with generation of 50 MW in April, 2007 and 200 MW by end of the same year, the statement said.
According to the minister, Tanesco is now installing natural gas power plant at Tegeta for generation of 45 MW. The project would be ready by April, 2007.
”The government is looking into the possibility of acquiring new plant for lease to generate 40 MW,” said Dr Msabaha, adding:”Machines secured under lease arrangement would take about five months to have them installed and start generating power,” said Msabaha.
”But the government is doing everything possible to make sure that the equipment arrives much earlier,” said.
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