Tanzania to power first phase of SGR rollout

Tanzania's State Power Company is gearing up to provide 70 megawatts of electricity to power the initial phase of the standard gauge railway (SGR) as the project nears completion. According to the country's Minister of Energy, phase one of the SGR is already 95% complete, with expectations to commence operations by the end of this year. The stretch from Beresalam to Morogoro will be the first to be operational, followed by the section from Morogoro to the capital city of Dodoma, which is at 80% completion and slated for a rollout next year. The Tanzanian government has also greenlit the construction of a 341-kilometer road that will complement the railway project. This road construction, set to commence in June, will take approximately two and a half to three years to complete. The SGR project has seen substantial investments, with over $1.9 billion already injected into the Beresalam to Morogoro phase, funded entirely by the Tanzanian government. The subsequent phases are expected to witness a mix of financing sources as the project progresses. Tanzania's energy landscape is also witnessing a significant transformation, with the country embarking on a hydropower project that aims to nearly double the current power generation capacity. The completion of the Malagarasi hydropower plant will add over 2,000 megawatts to the national grid by 2025, significantly boosting the country's energy supply. The enhanced power generation capacity will not only support the SGR but also drive economic growth and development across various sectors. The SGR project holds immense promise for Tanzania's economy, with significant benefits expected upon its full operation. The project has already generated employment opportunities for over 10,000 Tanzanians during the construction phase, contributing to poverty reduction and economic empowerment. One of the major advantages of the SGR is the anticipated 40% reduction in freight charges, making the transportation of goods more cost-effective. This cost efficiency will not only benefit local businesses but also enhance regional trade by making Tanzanian ports more competitive. The SGR is poised to transform Tanzania's transportation landscape, facilitating the seamless movement of goods and people, ultimately driving economic growth and prosperity for the nation.