Minister cancels leave for Tanesco workers amid power rationing crisis

Dar es Salaam. Minister for Energy and Deputy Prime Minister, Doto Biteko, has revoked leave for employees of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) due to the ongoing power rationing crisis.

Dr Biteko announced the decision on February 23, 2024, during a visit to the Kidatu Dam in Morogoro region, where he discovered the regional Tanesco manager was on leave.

Expressing dismay at the manager's absence during a critical period, Dr Biteko emphasised the importance of all Tanesco staff focusing on resolving the power challenges without interruption.

"I was surprised to find our regional manager on leave amidst this crisis. I want to make it clear to the Tanesco management: there will be no more leave for any of you," he declared.

Dr Biteko directed an inquiry into who authorised the manager's leave at a time when the nation is experiencing power rationing and the rationale behind it.

"When I said Tanesco employees shouldn't rest during power rationing, I meant it. We face challenges, yet some want to sleep. No one will be granted leave," Dr Biteko reiterated.

The minister's directive comes amidst mounting complaints from Tanzanians regarding prolonged power rationing, which continues to disrupt daily life across the nation.

Dr Biteko urged citizens to remain patient as the government works tirelessly to ensure a stable power supply.

On February 16, Deputy Minister for Energy, Ms Judith Kapinga, affirmed that power rationing was expected to end by March with the commissioning of new power plants at the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant (JNHP).

Responding to a supplementary question from Lupembe Member of Parliament, Edwin Swalle, in parliament recently, Ms Kapinga said power rationing would end in March after the successful trials of the ninth power generation unit at the Nyerere dam.

“I would like to inform the parliament that we have successfully tested plant number nine, which produces 235 megawatts,” she said, adding that plant number eight would start generating another 235 megawatts next month.

After her response, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Tulia Ackson, asked the Members of Parliament to give the government time until June, after which they could ask about the rationing.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan had previously tasked Tanesco's managing director, Mr Gissima Nyamo-Hanga, with resolving the power crisis within six months during her address in September 2023.

“I give you six months to rectify the situation and ensure there is no more power rationing. I trust you can control the situation,” she said.

“Nyamo-Hanga, you have only six months... exactly six. I don’t want to hear complaints about power cuts,” the president insisted.

The six months end in March 2024.

As businesses grapple with the repercussions of power rationing and citizens endure disruptions to their daily lives, the government’s commitment to expedite the JNHPP project offers hope for a resolution to the crisis.