ELECTRICITY generation in Tanzania has surpassed the increasing demand driven by the expanding economy and rapid urbanization, largely due to significant contributions from the partially operational Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project Plant.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, highlighted this development during his visit to the Ministry of Energy’s pavilion at the ongoing 48th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.
Tanzania is blessed with diverse energy sources including biomass, natural gas, hydro, coal, geothermal, solar, wind, and uranium, many of which remain untapped.
As of December 31st, 2023, the total installed energy capacity reached 1,938.35 Megawatts. Recently, two turbines with an installed capacity of 235 MW each at the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project Plant were commissioned in March and April this year, raising the total installed capacity to 2,408 MW.
The country’s peak demand was recorded in August 2023 at 1,482.80 MW. Eng. Mramba encouraged Tanzanians to expand their investments in sectors requiring electricity, emphasizing that supply is currently reliable and sufficient.
“Despite the existence of power sources like the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, which has significantly increased our installed capacity to meet current and future demands, we remain committed to diversifying our energy sources,” Eng. Mramba highlighted.
He continued, stating that efforts are underway to increase capacity through various energy sources, with a focus on renewable energy.
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“Projects such as the Kishapu solar power project (150 MW), wind power projects in Singida and Makambako (300 to 400 MW), Malagarasi Hydropower Project (49.5 MW), Kakono Hydropower Project (87 MW), Songwe Dam and Hydropower Plant (180.2 MW), Rumakali Hydropower Project (222 MW), and Ruhudji Hydropower Project (358 MW) are part of our strategy.”
In related news, the PS commended Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) for strengthening its operations to ensure adequate power supply.
“TANESCO has been working tirelessly to fulfill its duties, ensuring the country has sufficient electricity,” he acknowledged.
However, he urged the state-owned utility to innovate further to enhance service quality and affordability.
“Research and technology adoption in the energy sector should be a priority for us to remain competitive globally,” he emphasized.
Regarding the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy, he directed stakeholders to continue researching ways to improve citizens’ lives by reducing the cost of clean cooking equipment.
Source: allafrica.com
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Tanzania Confirms Outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease
Dodoma — Tanzania today confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease in the northwestern Kagera region after one case tested positive for the virus following investigations and laboratory analysis of suspected cases of the disease.
President of the Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, made the announcement during a press briefing alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in the country’s administrative capital Dodoma.
“Laboratory tests conducted in Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected with the Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative,” the president said. “We have demonstrated in the past our ability to contain a similar outbreak and are determined to do the same this time around.”
A total of 25 suspected cases have been reported as of 20 January 2025, all of whom have tested negative and are currently under close follow-up, the president said. The cases have been reported in Biharamulo and Muleba districts in Kagera.
“We have resolved to reassure the general public in Tanzania and the international community as a whole of our collective determination to address the global health challenges, including the Marburg virus disease,” said H.E President Hassan.
WHO is supporting Tanzanian health authorities to enhance key outbreak control measures including disease surveillance, testing, treatment, infection prevention and control, case management, as well as increasing public awareness among communities to prevent further spread of the virus.
“WHO, working with its partners, is committed to supporting the government of Tanzania to bring the outbreak under control as soon as possible, and to build a healthier, safer, fairer future for all the people of Tanzania,” said Dr Tedros. “Now is a time for collaboration, and commitment, to protecting the health of all people in Tanzania, and the region, from the risks posed by this disease.”
Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients present with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days.
“The declaration by the president and the measures being taken by the government are crucial in addressing the threat of this disease at the local and national levels as well as preventing potential cross-border spread,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Our priority is to support the government to rapidly scale up measures to effectively respond to this outbreak and safeguard the health of the population,”
Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region, in which a total of nine cases (eight confirmed and one probable) and six deaths were reported, with a case fatality ratio of 67%.
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In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.
Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, early access to treatment and supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.
Source: allafrica.com
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