The upcoming Stieglier’s Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station will be creating more power and jobs for the Tanzanian people.
The need:
Whilst Tanzania has many forms of energy, there are barriers that prevent them from working effectively. Tanzania has abundant energy and an installed power capacity of 1.5 GW However, the actual power production varies, particularly when droughts disrupt hydropower electric generation; rolling blackouts are implemented as necessary. Furthermore, nearly a quarter of electricity generated is lost due to poor transmission infrastructure. Stiegler’s Hydroelectric Puwer Project has thus been introduced as a response.
About the Power Station:
Stiegler’s Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station (SGHPS) will be built on the Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve in southwestern Tanzania. The hydropower plant is expected to be finalized in 42 months and should have the capacity to produce 2,115 MW by April 2022, dramatically increasing the country’s current power production capacity of 1,560 MW. The Tanzanian government signed a construction agreement with Arab Contractors and Elsewedy Electric from Egypt in December 2018. The Government of Tanzania will be covering the expenses of the entire project.
Job Creation:
This power project will do great things for job creation in Tanzania. According to Tanzanian Minister for Energy, Dr Medard Kalemani, between 3,000 and 5,000 Tanzanians will be employed during the construction, while between 250 and 400 others will get permanent employment after construction.
“Other 400 Tanzanians will be employed when the project starts to generate 2,225MW. This means they will be employed after construction,” he noted.
He added: “Employment opportunities will help Tanzanians get income and improve their lives.”
Mloka villagers in Rufiji District in Cost Region and of Kisaki villagers in Morogoro Region will directly benefit from this project. According to the minister, energy generated will supply to 37 villages in Kibiti and Chalinze. A total of 12 villages will be connected to electricity under Tanzania Rural Energy Agency (REA) programme.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
Source: Tanzania Invest