Tanzania to Phase Out Weak Power Poles in Infrastructure Upgrade

The Tanzanian government says it will replace fragile electricity poles with concrete and steel alternatives as part of efforts to improve the resilience of the power network.

Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, said in Parliament in Dodoma that the Tanzania Electric Supply Company will also reinforce pole foundations in areas with soft soil to reduce the risk of collapse.

She was responding to a question from Mvomero MP Sara Msafiri Ally, who asked when the government would address the problem of falling power poles in Mgeta.

Makamba said the authorities had identified several causes of the problem, including heavy rainfall, weak ground conditions and soil erosion, which have affected some poles in the area.

She added that the ministry and TANESCO carry out regular inspections of electricity infrastructure to detect and fix faults as they arise.

According to her, the government has also set aside a special budget to replace wooden poles in wet areas and places with heavy human activity.

Makamba urged the public to avoid harmful land-use practices, including careless burning of farms, which she said can damage electricity infrastructure and set poles on fire.