East African Business Week (Kampala)
10 February 2014
BY KENAN KALAGHO
DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA — The government needs about $300million to improve power connectivity to the rural areas and has asked for Canada's help .
The move would mean increasing the rural connectivity to at least 30% from the current 7%.
During the talks on a cooperation deal on natural resources between Canada and Tanzania, the Minister for Energy and Minerals, Prof Sospeter Muhongo, requested for Canada's help in rural electrification.
Prof Muhongo said Tanzania was willing to accept a loan or grants from the government of Canada.The objective is to have widespread rural connectivity by 2025.
"There is need for us to make sure that we intensify rural connectivity and seek for international support with the population of Tanzania projected expecting to reach 70 million by 2025," Prof Muhongo said.
"Tanzania's total consumption currently stands at 900 megawatts. Since the country's population is expected to increase the demand for power will also increase," Prof Muhongo said.
Tanzania's recent move to open Economic Processing Zones in Dar es Ssalaam, Bagamoyo and other regions in the last two years, has led to a surge in the demand for electricity.
Earlier this year, the government had similar talks with the Algerian government to help it connect its rural population. Algeria has connected at least 97% of its rural population.
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