Tanzania's Suluhu dissolves National Power Company Board

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu has dissolved the board of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) over frequent power blackouts that have hit the country recently.

The country has been experiencing power rationing due to low generation which is caused by inadequate water levels in dams and lack of repairs on electricity infrastructure.

Suluhu appointed Rhimo Nyanzaho as the new TANESCO chair replacing Major General Paul Kisesa Simuli who has been appointed new Ambassador to Uganda.

Despite the change in leadership, experts say challenges facing Tanzania’s power supply require a deeper and more strategic approach.

The situation in Tanzania is similar to what Kenyans have recently been experiencing.

To curb power blackouts, the Kenyan government on December 13, the government said it would use Sh66 billion to unbundle the power transmission lines system.

This is so that power failure in one line does not impact an entire country.

Further, the Sh200 billion KenGen solar power project at the Seven Forks Dam will be efficient in safeguarding against power failure.

This is after the country experienced blackout three times in less than six months with the latest happening on December 10, 2023.