The implementation of 400 MW gas-fired power project in Mtwara.

The Minister for Energy and Minerals, Prof. Sospeter Muhongo yesterday expressed his optimism over the implementation of 400 MW gas-fired power project in Mtwara, saying it will bring great relief to the aggrieved residents in the region.

 The minister’s remarks comes in the face prolonged tug of war pitting residents, security agencies and regional authorities over a government plan to set huge gas pipeline from Mtwara to Dar es Salaam—for electricity production and subsequent distribution countrywide.

 Mtwara residents oppose construction of the pipeline on the premises that transfer of the natural gas to Dar es Salaam would not benefit the region. The residents have repeatedly staged violence protests against the gas-pipeline project which is financed by Chinese government.

 However, presenting his budget estimates for financial year 2013/14, minister Muhongo said yesterday that the government through Tanesco has partnered with US-based power firm, Symbion Power for installation of 400MW gas-driven power project in Mtwara.

 “This project will significantly contribute to the economic and social development of Mtwara residents and other southern regions,” said the minister.

 The government was confident that the project would be implemented successfully, said the minister, noting that “I want to assure legislators from southern regions, including Lindi and Mtwara regions, even the White House (US-government) is aware of this project.”

 Besides installation of 400 gas-fired power plant, Tanesco-Symbion project will also involve construction of 650 kilometre transmission lines linking to the national grid, said the minister.

According to Muhongo, Tanesco and Symbion have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ready for implementation of the project under public-private partnership. The MoU was signed by Tanesco Acting Managing Director, Felchesmi Mramba and Symbion Chief Executive Officer, Paul Hinks.

Principally, the two partners have agreed to set up a joint-venture company to oversee the project, which include construction of a 650-kilometre transmission backbone from Mtwara to Songea where it will be connected to the national power grid through a line that will be built from Makambako to Songea.

Speaking at the MOU signing ceremony some months ago, Tanesco chief, Mramba said implementation of the project will be phased, adding that “It will take three years from financial closure to completion.”

The first phase will involve increasing the existing capacity in Mtwara to meet the growing demand in the southern regions of Lindi and Mtwara itself. Project’s engineering study was expected to start in March, 2013 after which construction works would commence this year, newspapers quoted Mramba as saying.

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