Fired! President Samia dissolves Tanzania’s electricity board amid power woes
In response to public outcry over persistent power cuts, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has taken decisive action by dissolving the board of the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco).
The move comes as Tanzania grapples with frequent power rationing, which has caused widespread discontent among citizens.
The former board chairman, Major General Paul Kisesa Simuli, has been appointed Tanzania’s ambassador to Uganda, while Dr Rhimo Nyansaho, the director of business development at Azania Bank, has been appointed as Tanesco’s new board chairman.
The reshuffle follows other leadership changes at Tanesco, including the departure of former boss Maharage Chande to the Tanzania Posts Corporation (TPC) as the new Postmaster General. Mr Gissima Nyamo-Hanga has filled his position at Tanesco.
Power rationing in Tanzania has been caused by reduced generation capacity due to low water levels in dams and ongoing repairs to the electricity infrastructure.
Maintenance challenges, coupled with water shortages caused by climate change, have resulted in a significant shortfall of 400 megawatts.
Speaking at the 2023 President’s Manufacturer of the Year Awards (PMAYA) in Dar es Salaam, Paul Makanza, chairman of the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI), highlighted the negative impact on manufacturers.
He noted that beverage manufacturers face a fivefold increase in operating costs when they use generators instead of relying on electricity from the national grid.
President Samia’s decision to overhaul Tanesco’s management underlines the urgency of addressing the challenges in the country’s power sector and restoring reliable electricity supply.
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