Pinda upbeat on power supply in SADC...

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda is optimistic that lighting the 1,247,000 square kilometer Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is possible, if only there is favourable investment climate.

In his opening speech at the fifth annual conference of the SADC Regional Electricity Regulators Association (RERA) here yesterday, Pinda said smart partnership was crucial for achieving the goal.

``Sustainable power supply is possible given a good investment climate that allows for a smart partnership between governments, power utilities as well as the private sector in the development and implementation of generation, transmission and distribution programs and projects,`` he said.

The Premier said that with the investment atmosphere supported by co-operation among countries in various regional settings, it was possible to develop effective regional power projects.

If developed, he said, the projects would pave way to creation of large scale programmes, bigger markets, thus making the plan to light the region economically viable.

``Not many countries can have enough financial resources to develop large scale projects alone. Whereas a large scale project may enjoy economies of scale, a country may be faced with the problem of lack of market, if it develops in isolation,`` Pinda said.

He said Africa experienced power shortages mainly due to lack of timely investment, drought and overdependence on hydropower.

``We need to develop the energy resources in the continent such as hydropower, coal, natural gas and other indigenous sources`` PM explained.

Other measures are to implement interconnectivity pools among group of countries as well as creating regional interconnection between region pools.

The current status of power supply within the SADC region, which has installed capacity of 54,742 MW of which only 46,391 MW is available. However the peak demand is about 44,000 MW.

Available records show that although a new generation project amounting to 1,810 MW was commissioned in the region last year, with the reserve margin still deficit against a required reserve margin of 10 percent.

The PM said if the Inga III Project, with capacity to generate over 4,000 MW in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) would be jointly developed, it would help a great deal in supporting most of the stunting economies due to lack of power.

Angola, Botswana, Namibia, the DRC and South Africa formed Westcor, as a joint venture company, which seeks to exploit the potential in hydropower offered by the Inga River.

``The Grand Inga scheme with capacity of 39,000MW, but if also jointly developed, could serve the big part south of the Sahara Region, northern Africa and even feed surplus power into Southern Europe,`` Pinda said.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN, November 13, 2008

Pinda ataka wawekazajii wa umeme

WAZIRI Mkuu wa Tanzania, Mizengo Pinda amezita nchi wananchama wa Mamlaka za Udhibiti wa Huduma za Umeme Kusini mwa Afrika (Rera) kuvuta wawekezaji katika sekta ya umeme ili kuondoa tatizo kubwa la umeme linalozikumba nchi wanachama wa Jumuiya ya Biashara Kusini mwa Afrika (SADC).

Pinda aliishauri Rara kuweka mikakati imara

itakayozewezesha nchi wanachama kupunguza tatizo la upatikanaji wa nishati hiyo kwa sababu inawezekama juhudi na maarifa vikifanyika.

Waziri Pindi alitoa changamoto hiyo jana wakati akifungua Mkutano wa Tano wa Mwaka wa Rare unaofanyika katika

Kituo cha Mikutano cha Kimataifa cha Arusha (AICC).

“Afrika ndiyo yenye kiwango kidogo cha upatikanaji wa umeme ambacho ni sawa na asilimia 25 tu, hali mbaya zaidi ni vijijini ambapo wakazi zaidi ya asilimia 75

huishi ambao hupata umeme wa asilimia mbili tu,” alisema Waziri.

Alitoa mfano wa Nchi za SADC ambazo zilipigania Uhuru wa Nchi hizo na kufanikiwa na kwamba iwapo Nchi hizo

zitaunganisha nguvu zao kwa kugawana vyanzo hivyo ni wazi watashinda.

Baadhi ya changamoto alizozitoa Waziri Mkuu katika kukabiliana na tatizo hilo ni kupanua huduma hizo kwa

kutumia nguvu za maji, makaa ya mawe, gesi asilia na mafuta.

Pia alizitaka nchi wananchama wa jumuiy hiyo kukabiliana na changamoto kadhaa kama uhaba fedha kwa ajili ya kugharamia miradi hiyo, ufundi, miundombinu na kuepukana na utegemezi zaidi katika umeme unaotokana na maji ambao sasa si wa uhakika.

Naye Waziri wa Nishati na Madini,

William Ngeleja alisema lengo kuu ni kuangalia ni jinsi ya kuunganisha nguvu katika kukabiliana na tatizo hilo.

“Ni wakati muafaka kwa nchi zetu kuhakikisha kwamba huduma

hiyo inaboreshwa na inakuwa endelevu,” alisema Ngeleja.

Awali, Mwenyekiti wa Bodi ya Mamla ya Udhibiti wa Maji na Nishati (Ewura), Simon Sayore alisema lengo ni kuhakikisha kuwa tatizo la uhaba wa umeme

katika nchi hizo.

Mkutano huo unawakutanisha wadau 150 wa kutoka nchi wanachana wa Rera na wasiowanachama kutoka nchi za Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria, Lesotho, Afrika Kusini, Namibia, USA, Norway, Madagascar, Angola,

Botwsana, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

source: Mwananchi, November 13, 2008

Tanzania kuanzisha miradi ya uzalishaji umeme

TANZANIA ipo katika mchakato wa kuanzisha mikataba kwa ajili ya miradi midogo midogo ya kuzalisha umeme usiozidi megawati 10.

Mkurugenzi wa Umeme wa Mamlaka ya Udhibiti wa Huduma za Nishati na Maji (EWURA), Anastas Mbawala, alibainisha hilo jana alipozungumza na waandishi wa habari kuhusu uanzishaji wa miradi midogo midogo ya kuzalisha umeme inayotokana na maji, jua, mabaki ya bidhaa na upepo.

Alisema Tanzania ina vyanzo vingi vya kuzalisha, umeme lakini havijatumika ipasavyo na EWURA wamedhamiria kufufua utumiaji wa vyanzo hivyo kwa kuanza kuandaa mikataba iatakayokuwa bora zaidi na yenye kudhibiti vitendo vya rushwa na ufisadi wakati wa kuingia mikataba ya umeme.

Alisema mikataba ya miradi hiyo midogo midogo itaandaliwa na bei na mwekezaji atakuja nchini huku akijua thamani ya mradi na wala si kujadili gharama kama ilivyo hivi sasa.

“Tunayo maeneo mengi ambayo yanaweza kuzalisha umeme wa kutosha, lakini kutokana na kutokuwa kwa mipango mizuri ya uendelezaji na mikataba wananchi hukosa umeme kutoka katika vyanzo hivyo,” alisema Mbawala.

Alisema uandaaji wa makataba huo na uingiaji wa mkataba baina ya mwekezaji na serikali utajulikana kwa wananchi kwani watapata nafasi ya kutoa maoni yao ndani ya siku 21 na baada ya hapo EWURA itayachukua maoni hayo.

Aliongeza kuwa gharama hizo za mradi zitakuwa zikiangaliwa kila mwaka, ili kuendana na kupanda kwa gharama au mabadiliko ya aina yoyote ambayo hutokea mara kwa mara.

Alisema kampuni zinazozalisha umeme huo zitaweza kuuuza katika Shirika la Ugavi wa Umeme Tanzania (Tanesco) na kuingizwa katika gridi ya taifa na hivyo kusaidia kupunguza tatizo la kutokuwapo kwa umeme wa kutosha.

Alibainisha kuwa kukamilika kwa mchakato huo kutasaidia kwa kiasi kikubwa maeneo ya vijijini kupata umeme wa uhakika kwani kuna baadhi ya sehemu hawawezi kuzalisha umeme mwingi na kuliepusha taifa na matatizo ya uhaba wa umeme unaotokea mara kwa mara.

Source: Tanzania Daima, November 6, 2008

Energy sources framework ready

The government has unveiled the Small Power Projects Framework, meant for use in developing private renewable energy sources particularly in rural areas.

The aim is to help the ailing state-run Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) in electrifying rural areas.

Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) Director of Electricity Anastas Mbawala told reporters at the unveiling ceremony in Dar es Salaam yesterday that the framework was developed by the Energy and Minerals ministry with World Bank assistance through a consultative process that involved all stakeholders.

He said the framework would benefit rural-based electricity consumers, Tanesco and private investors, particularly local entrepreneurs.

According to the Ewura official, the framework would promote the participation of private investors in the development of electricity projects of at most 10MW capacity as defined in the Electricity Act of 2008.

He said implementation of the projects would cover small hydro-power plants, industrial and agricultural waste as well as wind and co-generation.

Mbawala elaborated that the framework would involve the Standard Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) that would be signed between a buyer and the developer and a standard tariff methodology to be applied.

``The SPPA is simplified with standard clauses which reduce negotiating time and cost before signing the agreement. The tariff will be applicable for small power projects and will be calculated annually by a working group and submitted to Ewura for approval,`` he said.

Ewura Director General Haruna Masebu explained that the framework would simplify investment procedure and clear doubts, particularly as related to the signing of new contracts.

Meanwhile, the Ewura board of directors met yesterday to discuss how to deal with oil dealers who have defied the watchdog agency`s order to cut oil prices in line with the decline in world market prices.

Last week, Ewura gave the oil companies one week to lower pump prices in consonance with trend in the world market.

Masebu said the deadline ends today but there was no sign by yesterday that the companies would meet it.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN, Nov 6, 2008

JK furious over state of IPTL

President Jakaya Kikwete has ordered the immediate resumption of the process meant to see the Independent Power Tanzania Limited (IPTL) plant in Dar es Salaam turn from diesel to gas in the generation of electricity.

He issued the order in the city yesterday after being briefed on the IPTL project by Energy and Minerals minister William Ngeleja at a ceremony to inaugurate a 100MW gas-fired power plant at Ubungo.

The President expressed grave concern and surprise over the ministry`s decision to suspend the process, which was initiated about three years ago.

In brief remarks on the project, the minister had explained that the process was halted because there was a pending court case on the matter.

Malaysia`s Mechmar Corporation, the majority shareholder in IPTL, instituted arbitration proceedings in 2002 against the state-owned Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) and the government over, among other things, non-payment of capacity charges.

But President Kikwete was unhappy with the minister`s explanation that the government had suspended the process, designed to see the first privately owned power generation plant in Tanzania start using the country`s rich natural gas deposits to generate power.

``Converting IPTL power generators from using diesel to gas is a process of fundamental importance which should not be stopped because it stands to lead to a five-fold reduction in power generation expenses,`` observed the President.

The decision to convert the IPTL generators was made by the government despite a pending legal dispute pitting it against the plant`s owners.

President Kikwete underlined the fact that the ongoing legal wrangle could take very long to resolve, which would mean consumers continuing to bear needlessly high electricity charges.

He said Tanzania was experiencing ever rising demand for electricity and needed strategies with which to address the problem more comprehensively and effectively than has hitherto been the case.

``One of the government`s plans is to reduce dependence on hydro electricity in preference for other sources of power, evidence of whose implementation is today`s launch of this 99.4bn/- plant,`` he elaborated.

The President assured Tanesco, which will operate the plant, of continued government support.

He promised to use his experience as a former Finance Minister to seek funds the ailing utility company could invest in new power generation and supply projects.

Tanesco managing director Idris Rashidi had earlier told the President that they were committed to making the country depend as little on hydro-electric power generation as practicable.

He said that, as part of the firm`s diversification plans, another 45MW gas-fired plant has been commissioned and was expected to be operational by early next year.

Dr Rashidi explained that Tanesco had already approved the Kinyerezi 240MW gas-fired electricity generation project and a Tanzanian contractor, Pan Africa Company Limited, had been earmarked for the work under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) arrangement.

He noted that a number of power generation projects were still at the discussion stage or under the first phase of implementation.

They include the 60MW heavy oil Mwanza one, the 200MW Kiwira coal-fired one expected to become operational between 2010 and 2011, and the 50MW Singida wind-generated one.

According to the Tanesco MD, the 200-300MW Mnazi Bay project now being discussed by the government and the contractor (Artumas Company) could become operational in 2012.

It would supply electricity to both the southern regions and the national grid.

Among Tanesco�s other plans are the construction of transmission lines like the 650-km 400Kv one linking Mwanza to Shinyanga and the 500-km 400Kv one to run from Chalinze to Arusha via Hale to boost power supply in Tanga Region.

Minister Ngeleja said the government was keen to make electricity more accessible to wananchi, thus facilitating their implementation of profitable projects that would help eradicate poverty.

``Electricity is a crucial input in the government`s efforts to eradicate poverty. The inauguration of this 100MW plant, whose power will feed into the national grid, is testimony to this determination,`` he noted.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN, November 5, 2008

Kikwete kuzindua kituo cha umeme wa gesi

RAIS Jakaya Kikwete leo anatarajiwa kuzindua kituo cha kuzalishia umeme wa gesi jijini Dar es Salaam.

Kituo hicho kinachomilikiwa na Shirika la Umeme Tanzania (Tanesco) kimejengwa kwa ufadhili wa serikali kwa kutumia kampuni ya M/s Lahmeyer International ya Ujerumani ikisaidiwa na kampuni ya M/s Watsila Oy ya Finland kwa ushauri.

Kwa mujibu wa meneja uhusiano wa Tanesco, Badra Masoud, kituo kilianza kujengwa rasmi Septemba 21, 2006 baada ya kusainiwa kwa mkataba kati ya shiria hilo na Watsila ya Finland Juni 20 2006.

Alifafanua kuwa ujenzi wa mradi huu ulitumia Euro 60,272,250,00 ambazo ni sawa na Sh 99,450,000,000.00 za Kitanzania na kwamba mradi huo ulihusisha uhandisi sanifu, kuleta na kufunga mitambo itumiayo gesi kuzalisha umeme.

Alisema kituo hicho chenye mashine 12 za kuzalisha umeme aina ya 20v 34Sg kutoka Finland ambazo kila mashine moja ina uwezo wa kuzalisha megawati 8.75. Ujenzi wake ulikamilika Septemba 24 2007 na kufanyiwa majaribio Julai 30 mwaka huu.

Masoud alisema kituo hicho kinazalisha megawati 103 za umeme na kuingiza kwenye gridi ya taifa ambazo ni sawa na asilimia 15 hadi 20 za umeme wote unaosambazwa hapa nchini.

Source: Mwananchi, Nov 4, 2008

TANESCO yapata hasara ya bilioni 189!

Shirika la umeme nchini, TANESCO, limekuwa likipata hasara ya kati ya shilingi bilioni 109 na bilioni 189 kwa kila mwaka katika kipindi cha miaka mitatu iliyopita kutokana na kuuza umeme kwa bei nafuu.

Hayo yamesemwa na Waziri wa Nishati na Madini, Mhesmiwa William Ngeleja wakati akijibu swali la Mbunge wa Mlalo, CCM, Brigedia Jenerali (mstaafu) Hassan Ngwilizi.

Mheshimiwa Ngwilizi alitaka kujua kwanini bei za umeme zinazidi kupanda badala ya wananchi kufaidika na raslimali zilizopo nchini.

Akijibu swali hilo , Mhesimiwa Ngeleja akasema kuwa hasara hiyo ilipatikana katika kipindi cha kati ya mwaka 2004 na mwaka jana.

Akasema katika miaka ya nyuma, Serikali ilikuwa ikiipatia Tanesco ruzuku kwa ajili ya kufidia tofauti kati ya bei ya kuuzia umeme na gharama halisi za umeme nchini.

Hata hivyo, akasema kuanzia mwaka wa fedha wa 2007 na 2008, Serikali imesitisha utoaji wa ruzuku kwa shirika hilo na kuridhia kuwa bei za umeme ziwe zinarudisha gharama halisi za umeme.

Akafafanua kuwa inapaswa sasa shirika hilo lijiendeshe kibiashara na kuwa kutokana na hatua hiyo chanzo pekee cha mapato ya shirika hilo ni uuzaji wa umeme.

SOURCE: Alasiri, 22/4/2008

Moto kuwaka bungeni keshokutwa hoja ya Richmond kuibuka upya

WIKI ijayo Waziri Mkuu, Mizengo Pinda anatarajiwa kupata mtihani wake wa kwanza bungeni atakaposimamia mapendekezo ya hatua zinazopaswa kuchukuliwa dhidi ya watu waliohusika katika kashfa ya Richmond.

Mtihani kwa Pinda unakuja kutokana na kuwapo taarifa kwamba suala hili la Richmond limewagawa wabunge katika sehemu mbili.

Wapo baadhi ya wabunge ambao wanadaiwa kuwa kambi moja na baadhi ya watu wanaotuhumiwa katika kashfa hiyo wakiendesha kampeni ya kuhakikisha suala hilo linakosa nguvu ya kujadiliwa katika kikao hicho na wengine wanaokwenda na mtazamo wa Watanzania.

Wabunge hawa pamoja na baadhi ya wana CCM wenye ushawishi mkubwa ndio ambao pia waliweka kambi Butiama wakati wa kikao cha Halmashauri Kuu (NEC) kuhakikisha kuwa hoja ya mafisadi kuchukuliwa hatua kichama inaizimwa.

Hata hivyo, wapo wabunge ambao wanapa na kuhakikisha kuwa suala la Richmond linajadiliwa na watu wote waliohusika na kashfa wanachukuliwa hatua bila upendeleo.

Joto la kashfa ya Richmond limezidi kuongezeka baada ya wiki hii bunge kutoa taarifa iliyokuwa ikituhumu kuwapo kwa kundi la watu nchini linaloeneza uvumi wa kutaka kumchafua Spika wa Bunge la Jamuhuri ya Muungano, Samuel Sitta.

Taarifa hiyo ya bunge ilikwenda mbali zaidi kwa kueleza kwamba njama hizo za kutaka kumchafua spika kumhusisha na ubadhirifu wa fedha za bunge zimekuja hivi sasa wakati bunge bado linashunglikia suala la Richmond.

Ni kutokana na hali hiyo ya mvutano mkubwa kuhusu Richmond, Waziri Mkuu Pinda atakuwa na mtihani kama kiongozi wa serikali bungeni kusimama kidete kuhakikisha kuwa ahadi yake ya kuona watu waliohusika na kashfa ya Richmond wanachukuliwa hatua zinazoshaili inafanyika.

Kama atakwama kusimamia serikali kuwachukulia hatua au timu aliyoiunda ambayo kwa mara ya kwanza ilimaliza kazi mapema kabla ya muda wake itakuja na mapendekezo hafifu ambayo haya maslahi kwa nchi, huenda ndiyo ikawa safari ya Pinda kuanza kuporomoka.

Wananchi bado wana imani na Pinda wanajua kwamba ni waziri mkuu mwenye msimamo ambaye husema kweli bila kuuma umma maneno yake.

Katika bunge lililopita aliapa kuwa wale wote watakaobainika kuhusika na kashfa hiyo bila ya kujali nyadhifa zao serikalini au ndani ya chama, watachukuliwa hatua za kisheria kama kawaida.

Hata hivyo, wachunguzi wa masuala ya kisiasa nchini wanaona Pinda ana kibarua kigumu kuwabana watu waliohusika katika kashfa hiy kutokana na ukweli kwamba ni watu wenye 'nguvu' hata ndani ya Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) wana mizizi kiasi kwamba chama kinawagwaya.

Ukweli huu unadhihirishwa na kitendo cha CCM kushindwa kujadili hoja ya kuwachukulia hatua kichama watu wanachama ambao wanadaiwa kuchafuka kutokana na kuhusika katika kashfa za ufisadi.

Hata hivyo, Pinda naye ameanza kujitenga na mtihani huo, kwani hivi karibuni alikaririwa akisema kwamba baada ya kuipokea ripoti hiyo ataifanyia kazi na hatimaye kuiwasilisha kwa Rais Jakaya Kikwete kwa hatua na maelekezo yake.

Ripoti ya tume hiyo inafuatia taarifa ya Kamati Teule ya Bunge iliyochunguza mchakato wa Zabuni ya Kampuni ya Richmond ya Houston, Texas Marekani ambapo Wabunge hao walijadili taarifa hiyo na kutoa jumla ya mapendekezo 23 ambayo serikali iliahidi kuyafanyia kazi.

Timu hiyo ya Pinda inahusisha wawakilishi kutoka Ikulu, sekretarieti ya mawaziri,Tume ya maadili, TAMISEMI, Wakala wa Manunuzi (PPRA), Makandarasi, Utumishi wa Umma na Mipango, itapitia mapendekezo hayo na kutoa dira ya namna ya kuyatekeleza.

Tume hiyo iliundwa kufuatia mapendekezo ya Kamati ya Bunge Iliyoongozwa na Dk Harrison Mwakyembe kutoa mapendekezo ya hatua zinazopaswa kuchukuliwa na serikali kwa waliohusika na kashfa ya Richmond.

Alitaja baadhi ya mapendekezo hayo kuwa Msajili wa Ofisi ya BRELA kuifuta Kampuni ya Richmond na wamiliki wake wote kufunguliwa kesi ya jinai, kisha serikali kuangalia uwezekano wa kusitisha malipo kwa kampuni ya Dowans.

Alisema serikali pia ilitakiwa kuendesha uchunguzi wa kina kubaini taarifa tete kuwa taarifa ya Taasisi ya Kupambana na Kuzuia Rushwa (Takukuru) kuhusu Richmond ilichezewa na kuitafuta taarifa halisi ya taasisi hiyo.

Mapendekezo mengine ni serikali kujiepusha na utaratibu wa matumizi ya mawakala katika manunuzi ya Umma, Sheria ya manunuzi (PPRA) ipewe meno zaidi na ifanye kazi kwa kujitegemea bila kusimamiwa na Wizara ya Fedha.

Kamati hiyo pia ilipendekeza serikali kupitia upya mikataba yote na kuweka kumbukumbu ya mikataba hiyo katika ofisi za bunge, timu ya Serikali inayoshauri mikataba (GNT) iwajibishwe, aliyekuwa waziri wa nishati na Madini, Nazir Karamagi na Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Serikali wawajibishwe.

Wakati huo huo, wabunge sita wanatarajia kutoa hoja binafsi zitakazojadiliwa katika kikao cha bunge hilo.

Siku za hivi karibuni Wabunge wa Jamuhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania wameonekana kuwa mwiba kwa serikali ambapo wamekuwa wakihoji bila woga utendaji wake kwa maslahi ya wananchi.

Wabunge hao kila mmoja tayari wamepeleka hoja binafsi katika maeneo tofauti huku wengi wao wakihoji moja kwa moja utendaji wa serikali na matumizi mabaya za umma.

Wabunge waliopeleka hoja binafsi ni Raphael Chegeni (Busega), William Shellukindo (Bumbuli), Alloyce Kimaro (Vunjo), Godfrey Zambi (Mbozi Mashariki), wote wa CCM na mmoja kutoka Chadema, Said Arfi (Chadema).

Source: Mwananchi, 5/4/2008

Muswada wa umeme wapigwa danadana

HATIMA ya kupelekwa bungeni kwa muswada wa sheria mpya ya umeme, imezidi kuchukua sura mpya baada ya Kamati ya Nishati na Madini kushindwa kutoa msimamo wake na kuahidi kuutoa Ijumaa ijayo mjini Dodoma wakati wa vikao vya Bunge.

Uamuzi huo ulitangazwa jana na Kaimu Mwenyekiti wa kamati hiyo, Daniel Nswanzugwanko, alipokuwa akizungumza na waandishi wa habari kuhusu umamuzi wa kamati hiyo.

Alisema muswada huo ulikuwa moto zaidi kutokana na baadhi ya wabunge kutokubaliana nao kutokana na kuonekana una lengo la kuliua Shirika la Umeme Tanzania (Tanesco) na kuzipendelea zaidi kampuni zitakazokuja kuwekeza katika sekta ya umeme.

Alisema Waziri wa Nishati na Madini, William Ngeleja, aliwasilisha baadhi ya mabadiliko yaliyoshauriwa na baadhi ya wabunge katika semina ya kujadili muswada huo wiki iliyopita, ambapo kwa kiasi kikubwa amejibu na kurekebisha matatizo yaliyoonekana.

Alisema kamati imemuamuru Waziri Ngeleja kwenda kuyaandika vizuri zaidi majibu yake na ayawasilishe katika kikao kijacho ambacho kitafanyika mjini Dodoma.

“Haya masuala ni nyeti sana na tunahitaji kujipanga vizuri ili tuweze kwenda mbele zaidi na pia kuepukana na masuala yaliyotokea katika mkataba wa Richmond,” alisema Nsanzugwanko.

Aidha, alikanusha tuhuma zilizoenezwa na baadhi ya watu kuwa kamati yake imerubuniwa na serikali, ili ipitishe muswada huo ambao ulizua utata mkubwa miongoni mwa wabunge wiki iliyopita.

Alisema kamwe kamati yake haiwezi kurubuniwa kwani kila mbunge ana kiu ya kuwa na umeme katika jimbo lake, ili uweze kuharakisha maendeleo na kutokomeza umasikini miongoni mwa jamii.

Awali, baada ya kutokubalika kwa muswada huo na wabunge katika semina iliyoandaliwa, Ngeleja na Naibu wake, Adam Malima, walilazimika kutumia nguvu nyingi kuwashawishi wabunge ambao walionekana kutoelewa somo.

Source: Tanzania Daima, 05/4/2008

Ngeleja: Hakuna mgawo wa umeme

WAZIRI wa Nishati na Madini, William Ngeleja, amesema hakutakuwa na mgawo wa umeme mwaka huu.

Alitoa kauli hiyo alipozungumza na waandishi wa habari ofisini kwake jana alipokuwa akizungumzia ugunduzi wa gesi asilia katika eneo la Uyuni, Mashariki mwa Kisiwa cha Songosongo wilayani Kilwa.

Alisema ipo mikakati ya makusudi ya kuzuia kuwapo kwa hali hiyo nchini licha ya maji yaliyopo kwenye vyanzo mbalimbali vya nishati hiyo muhimu kutosha kwa kipindi hiki.

“Hakuna mgawo wa umeme, kwa sasa maji yapo ya kutosha katika mabwawa yetu…kwa hali hii hatuutarajii mgawo kwa mwaka huu kabisa lakini pia tuombe Mungu hali isibadilike.

“Hali ya maji, mipango na mikakati yetu ipo vizuri, napenda kuwahakikishia kuwa hakuna mgawo mwaka huu,” alisisitiza Ngeleja na kuongeza kwamba, serikali inajitahidi kuzuia hali hiyo kama ilivyotokea mwaka 2006.

Siku saba zilizopita, Mkurugenzi wa Shirika la Ugavi wa Umeme Tanzania (TANESCO), Idris Rashid, alikaririwa akitahadharisha kuwapo kwa mgawo wa umeme nchini.

Alisema kutokuwapo kwa mvua za kutosha ni moja ya sababu zitakazoleta mgawo wa umeme mwakani, licha ya shirika hilo kuhitaji sh trilioni 1.6 kwa ajili ya kujiimarisha kiuchumi.

Kuhusu gesi hiyo, alisema kampuni iliyoigundua ni Ndovu Resources Ltd kutoka Australia, yenye mkataba wa kutafuta mafuta ya petroli na gesi tangu Mei 19, mwaka 1999.

Alisema licha ya kugundua uwepo wa gesi hiyo, Kampuni ya Ndovu pia imechimba visima vitatu katika maeneo ya Uyuni, Kiliwani na Kiliwani North.

Alisema gesi hiyo iligundulika Machi 13 mwaka huu, kufanya visima vinavyotoa gesi nchini kufikia vinne katika maeneo mbalimbali nchini, yakiwamo yanayopakana na Bahari ya Hindi. Pamoja na Uyuni, maeneo mengine yaliyogunduliwa gesi ni Songosongo, Mnazi Bay na Mkuranga.

Katika hilo, alibainisha kwamba kutokana na ugunduzi wa visima hivyo vya gesi, serikali inaokoa kiasi kikubwa cha fedha zilizotakiwa kutumika kwa kuagiza mafuta ya dizeli nje ya nchi kwa ajili ya uendeshaji wa shughuli mbalimbali.

“Mfano katika mradi wa Songosongo kuanzia Juni 2004, gesi inayozalishwa inasaidia kutengeneza umeme kama nishati ya viwandani. Kiasi cha gesi kilichothibitishwa ni takriban futi za ujazo 540 bilioni.

Katika kipindi hiki taifa limeokoa dola za Marekani 992 milioni na vivyo hivyo katika mradi wa Mnazi Bay, ulioanza kuzalisha gesi ya ujazo wa futi 400 bilioni tangu Desemba mwaka 2006, umeokoa dola za Marekani 2.1 milioni,” alisema Ngeleja.

Mbali na hayo, alizungumzia mjadala wa wabunge kuhusu kukataliwa kwa muswada wa umeme na kufafanua kwamba, lengo si kubinafsisha Shirika la Umeme, badala yake ni kubadilisha sheria ya umeme ya mwaka 1931 ambayo imepitwa na wakati.

Aidha, aliitaka jamii ifahamu kwamba kupita au kutopita kwa muswada huo hakuhalalishi ubinafsishwaji wa TANESCO, na kuongeza kwamba wizara yake inaendelea kuufanyia marekebisho muswada huo.

Kuhusu dhana kwamba ipo faida inayopatikana kwa baadhi ya watendaji wa serikali ama wafanyabiashara, Waziri Ngeleja alikanusha na kusema uharakishwaji wa muswada huo unatokana na masilahi yake kwa jamii na taifa kwa jumla.

“Wapo baadhi ya watu wanadhani kwamba, kuna jambo nyuma ya pazia, lakini hakuna kitu, tunaipenda nchi yetu na tunafanya hivi kwa manufaa ya taifa kutokana na muswada uliokuwapo wa mwaka 1931 kupitwa na wakati. Mara zote unafanyiwa marekebisho lakini hayatoshi,” alisema Ngeleja.

Alisema, hivi sasa TANESCO linajiendesha kibiashara zaidi, hali iliyosababisha serikali kukatisha ruzuku kwa shirika hilo. Hivyo hata sheria ikipitishwa halitabinafsishwa.

Alisema: “Wizara inazingatia mapendekezo ya wabunge na itayafanyia kazi, lakini napenda wananchi waelewe kuwa Shirika la Umeme halitabinafsishwa na wala hakuna chochote nyuma ya pazia kuhusu muswada huu.”

Source: Tanzania Daima, 27/03/2008

Serikali yautetea Muswada wa sheria ya Umeme

WIZARA ya Nishati na Madini imemsafisha aliyekuwa waziri wake Nazir Karamagi na kusema, hakuna msukumo wowote wa kifisadi katika kutengeneza muswada wa Sheria Mpya ya Umeme na Mafuta ya Petroli unaotarajiwa kuwasilishwa Bungeni mwezi ujao.

Waziri wa Nishati na Madini, William Ngeleja alisema jana jijini Dar es Salaam kuwa fikra zilizojengeka kwamba kuna ujanja katika kutengeneza muswada huo hazina mantiki wala ukweli wowote.

"Wazo kwamba kuna kitu 'nyuma ya pazia' katika kutengeneza muswada huo ni potofu. Napenda kuueleza umma na ndugu zangu (waandishi) mnisaidie kwamba sio kweli, wizara inafanya hivyo kwa maslahi ya Taifa, kusiwe na wazo kwamba msukumo huo wa muswada wa Sheria mpya ya Umeme una maslahi kwa mtu," alisema Ngeleja.

Kauli ya Ngeleja imekuja juma moja tangu wabunge wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania waukatae tena muswada huo wenye lengo la kufungua milango kwa wawekezaji wa nje kuwekeza katika sekta ya umeme wakidai kuwa bado una harufu ya aliyekuwa Waziri wa Nishati na Madini, Nazir Karamagi.

Ngeleja aliwaambia waandishi wa habari jana kuwa kukataliwa kwa muswada huo kwa sababu yoyote ile, hakutaondoa umuhimu wa kuifanyia marekebisho sheria ya umeme ya mwaka 1931 ambayo kulingana na mabadiliko ya kijamii, imepitwa na wakati.

"Sheria hii ya Umeme ilitungwa mwaka 1931 na ina upungufu mwingi, ni lazima ifanyiwe marekebisho ili iende na wakati,"alisisitiza Ngeleja na kuendelea:

"Hoja kwamba sekta binafsi kwenye umeme itakwamisha mpango wa serikali kupeleka nishati hiyo vijijini siyo kweli kwani hata Tanesco haiwajibiki kupeleka umeme vijijini,"

Alisema hoja hiyo imepitwa na wakati kwani hata Tanesco haiwajibiki kupeleka umeme vijijini bali Serikali kupitia Wakala wa Umeme vijijini (REA) katika mkataba ulioingiwa mwaka 2005.

"Tutunge sheria hii au tusitunge, Tanesco siyo suluhu la tatizo la umeme vijijini, kazi hiyo ni ya serikali kupitia Wakala wa Kusambaza Umeme (REA) tangu mwaka 2005," alisema.

Alisema katika muswada huo wa sheria hiyo mpya, serikali imejitahidi kukwepa kubinafsisha huduma ya umeme kwenye maeneo yanayoweza kuliathiri taifa kama ubinafsishaji wa miundombinu yake.

Alieleza kuwa katika sheria hiyo mpya serikali iliruhusu uwekezaji katika uzalishaji na usambazaji wa umeme maeneo ambayo tayari yamekuwa yakiendeshwa na kampuni za nje.

"Sisi tunaruhusu soko huria katika uzalishaji na usambazaji na siyo usafirishaji na hili sio jambo geni kwani hata sasa maeneo haya tayari yako huru kwa wawekezaji,"alisema.

Hata hivyo alibainisha kuwa kauli za wabunge hao kuhusu muswada huo hazikutolewa ili kuukubali wala kuukwamisha bali ni mapendekezo yatakayotumika kuuboresha zaidi kabla haujaingia bungeni.

"Kukataliwa kwa Muswada huo ni changamoto kwa serikali katika kuuboresha zaidi kwani hayo ni mapendekezo tu na sio msimamo wa mwisho wa wabunge," alisema.

Wabunge hao walionyesha kukerwa na muswada huo katika mjadala uliofanyika Machi 18 mwaka huu jijini Dar es Salaam kuhusiana na mapendekezo ya serikali kutunga sheria mpya ya umeme itakayoruhusu uwekezaji katika sekta hiyo.

Wabunge hao walisema hawajaona tofauti yoyote katika muswada huo na uliowasilishwa mara ya kwanza ambao ulipitiwa na kutolewa mapendekezo ya mabadiliko katika baadhi ya vipengele. chini ya aliyekuwa na waziri wa wizara hiyo, Nazir Karamagi

Walisema muswada huo pia hauonyeshi mpango wowote wa kuweka umeme maeneo ya vijijini ambako ndio kuna wananchi wengi.

Mbunge wa Karatu Dk Willibrod Slaa alitoa angalizo kuwa kwa sasa hakuna kampuni yoyote ya uwekezaji inayoweza kupeleka umeme vijijini na kuitaka serikali kuhakikisha inatekeleza jukumu hilo yenyewe na kuongeza kuwa kuukubali mswada huo ni sawa na kuiweka nchi mikononi mwa wawekezaji.

Source: Mwananchi, 27/03/2008

Rural-Connectivity-Tz-2007-Suhail-Sheriff.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Reliable power backup system is required in order to operate ICT systems and to ensure that they continue operating during critical periods. The consequences of power cuts can be more severe for sensitive sensitives such as Health Management Information System HMIS in large hospitals where patient healthcare depends on a well-functioning ICT system.

Connectivity and use of ICT facilities is rendered useless without adequate power supply. More about the importance and how to develop reliable power supply, please read a complete report at:
Rural-Connectivity-Tz-2007-Suhail-Sheriff.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Richmond yaibua makubwa TANESCO

WAFANYAKAZI wa Shirika la Ugavi wa Umeme Tanzania (TANESCO), wametishia kuwaburuza mahakamani watu walioingia mkataba wa kuzalisha umeme wa dharura kati ya shirika hilo na Kampuni ya Richmond.

Aidha, wafanyakazi hao wametaka kusimamishwa malipo kwa Kampuni ya Dowans iliyorithi mkataba huo.

Wafanyakazi hao walitoa kauli hiyo jana jijini Dar es Salaam kwenye mkutano wa kujadili masuala mbalimbali ya shirika hilo na kueleza kushangazwa na kitendo cha kuendelea kuilipa kampuni ambayo msingi wake unatokana na mkataba uliohusisha kampuni hewa.

Mwenyekiti wa kamati ya majadiliano ya wafanyakazi hao, Abdul Mkama, alisema hakuna sababu kwa Tanesco kuendelea kuilipa shilingi milioni 152 kwa siku, kampuni ambayo imedhihirika kuwa ilishinda zabuni kifisadi.

Sambamba na hayo, alisema ni vema watu waliojiuzulu wakarudisha fedha hizo kama inavyofanyika kwa watu waliochukua fedha katika akaunti ya malipo ya nje (EPA), na baada ya kufanya hivyo, wakafikishwa kwenye vyombo vya sheria.

“Sisi wafanyakazi wa Tanesco, tunataka malipo yanayofanyika kwa Richmond yasimamishwe kuanzia leo (jana), na tunafanya taratibu, ili wahusika watulipe fidia, wasipofanya hivyo tutawaburuza kwenye vyombo vya sheria,” alisema Mkama.

Naye, Balton Mwaifugile, alisema viongozi waliojiuzulu ni sehemu ndogo ya mafisadi, hivyo ni vema waliobakia nao wakaanikwa hadharani, ili kukomesha tabia ya kufuja mali za umma kwa maslahi binafsi.

Alisema wanachohitaji wao ni kulipwa fidia kwa hasara iliyopatikana, kwani fedha hizo ni nyingi na zingewasaidia kuboresha maisha yao na mitambo ya shirika hilo.

“Tunawalipa hawa jamaa wa Richmond milioni 152 kwa siku, Songas milioni 200 kwa siku na IPTL sh bilioni tatu kwa mwezi. Fedha hizi ni nyingi, na kuanzia leo tunataka tuanze kuwashughulikia kwa kutowapa fedha,” alisema Mwaifugile.

Alisema maisha ya wafanyakazi yamekuwa magumu na kupata majanga mbalimbali yaliyowasababishia ulemavu, huku wakilipwa fidia kidogo kwa madai shirika halina uwezo wa kuwalipa kutokana na fedha nyingi kuchukuliwa na mafisadi.

“Kabla ya ‘kuwanyonga’ mafisadi wetu, kwanza watulipe fidia kutokana na matatizo waliyotusababishia, ili na sisi tuishi kwa raha na kuendesha magari kama wanavyofanya wao na familia zao,” alisema Mwaifugile.

Kwa upande wake, John Mwandika, alisema hivi sasa kuna bomu kubwa linakuja nchini, kwani mradi wa kuzalisha makaa ya mawe ya Kiwira nao unatarajia kuanza kulipwa sh milioni 300 kwa siku utakapoanza uzalishaji.

Alisema mradi huo wa Kiwira utakuwa unatumia sh bilioni tisa kwa mwezi, gharama ambazo zinadaiwa zitabebwa na Tanesco, ambayo inaonekana mnyonge na sehemu ya kuchuma.

“Tanesco imefanywa mti wa mzambarau, kila mtu anakuja na kapu lake na kutingisha matunda, na kapu linapojaa huondoka na matunda,” alisema Mwandika.

Aidha, Thomas Njama, alisema wabunge wa Tanzania ni waoga, kwani suala la ubadhirifu katika Tanesco lilianza kwa menejimenti ya Net Group Solution ambayo kwa kiasi kikubwa ilivuruga muundo mzima wa shirika hilo.

Alisema uongozi huo kwa kushirikiana na serikali ya awamu ya tatu chini ya Rais Benjamin Mkapa, wamefanikiwa kuuza majengo mbalimbali ya Tanesco, ikiwepo kutoa Chuo cha Morogoro na kuuza kiwanda cha kukaanga nguzo kilichopo Mbeya.

Aidha, alisema ni vema kuanzia sasa Katiba ya Tanzania ikabadilishwa, ili kuweza kuwakamata marais ambao watakuwa wamefuja mali za umma kwa maslahi binafsi.

Alisema Mkapa alikuwa kinara wa kushinikiza mabadiliko katika shirika hilo kwa maslahi ya watu wachache, bila kuangalia athari kwa taifa.

“Hii katiba inayotoa kinga ya kutowashtaki marais pindi wanapondoka madarakani imepitwa na wakati, inafaa tuibadilishe, ili tuweze kumkaanga Mkapa,” alisema Njama.

Source: Tanzania Daima, 01/03/2008

Richmond yawatia nyongo Tanesco

*Wataka viongozi waliosaini mkataba washitakiwe haraka
*Wadai wanachangia kuiua kwa mikataba mibovu, gharama

WAFANYAKAZI wa Shirika la Umeme (Tanesco) wamecharuka na kutaka viongozi na watendaji wengine serikalini walioliingiza shirika hilo katika hasara kwa kusaini mkataba na kampuni ya kuzalisha umeme wa dharura ya Richmond, washitakiwe haraka.

Katika mkutano wao uliofanyika mapema leo makao makuu, wafanyakazi hao walisema baadhi ya viongozi ndani ya serikali wamekuwa mstari wa mbele kuhakikisha Tanesco inakufa, ndiyo maana wanaliingiza kwenye mikataba waliyoiita ya kinyonyaji.

“Yaani Tanesco imegeuzwa mwarobaini, kila mtu analeta mkataba wake ili anyonye na kuondoka,” alisema Mwenyekiti wa Kamati ya Majadiliano ya Tanesco, Abdul Mukama.

Alisema mkataba wa Richmond ambao ulipigiwa kelele na wafanyakazi wa shirika hilo, unadhihirisha namna viongozi wa siasa walivyodhamiria kuhakikisha shirika hilo linakufa kutokana na fedha zinazolipwa na shirika hilo kwenda kwenye kampuni binafsi.

Mukama alisema wafanyakazi kwa muda mrefu wamekuwa wanajituma kuhakikisha shirika hilo linainuka, lakini tangu serikali iingie mkataba na kampuni ya IPTL, Songas, Aggreko na sasa Richmond, zimekuwa zinalipwa fedha nyingi na shirika hilo.

“Mimi sioni kama hawa walistahili kujiuzulu, hawa wanatakiwa kukamatwa na kushitakiwa haraka,” alisema Mukama wakati akifungua mkutano huo ambao ulikuwa unajadili suala hilo la mkataba wa Richmond.

Mukama alisema mtu wa kwanza ambaye alitaka kuiua Tanesco ni Rais mstaafu Benjamin Mkapa, ambaye aliingiza menejimenti ya Afrika Kusini kwa nguvu ambayo pia haikuleta ufanisi wowote zaidi ya kuuza mali za shirika hilo na kuliacha likiwa hoi kifedha.

Alisema Rais Mkapa aliipeleka Tanesco kwa dalali ambaye ni Tume ya Rais ya Kurekebisha Mashirika ya Umma (PSRC) kwa miaka 10. Alisema katika kipindi hicho shirika hilo halikuruhusiwa kuingia katika mkataba wa aina yoyote ile mkubwa, hali iliyosababisha miundombinu yake kuchakaa.

Baadhi ya wafanyakazi wengine ambao walipata fursa ya kuchangia kwenye mkutano huo, walisema viongozi wa siasa wakiwamo wale ambao wameingia mkataba wa Richmond, wameshiriki kuidhoofisha Tanesco.

“Rais Kikwete ameelemewa na ufisadi wa watangulizi wake. Haya yanayofanyika ndani ya Tanesco yameanza siku nyingi, anashindwa afanye nini kama anataka kusafisha uozo, ni vyema pia amshitaki Rais mstaafu,” alisema Thomas Njumayo.

Walisema kitendo cha kampuni ya Richmond na sasa Dowans kulipwa Sh bilioni 4.7 kwa mwezi na Tanesco inaonyesha namna ambavyo viongozi wa siasa wasivyokuwa na uchungu na shirika hilo.

Mfanyakazi mwingine alisema ni vyema serikali iilipe fidia Tanesco kwa vile katika miaka minane shirika hilo limeathirika kwa kiasi kikubwa, ikiwamo kupoteza chuo chake cha Morogoro kilichokuwa kinatoa wataalamu wa hali ya juu.

Alisema pia Tanesco inatakiwa kulipwa faida, kwa vile menejimenti ya Netgroup iliuza baadhi ya majengo katika hali ya kutatanisha, huku wakiliacha shirika likiwa katika hali mbaya ya fedha.

Mfanyakazi mwingine aliyejitaja kwa jina la Mwakugile alitaka wafanyakazi hao waazimie kama fedha hizo zinalipwa kutoka hapo Tanesco wazizuie, ziweze kuongeza ufanisi wa shirika hilo.

Suala la Richmond lilitokana na ripoti ya Kamati teule ya Bunge iliyokuwa inaongozwa na Dk Harisson Mwakyembe ambayo ilibaini namna ambavyo baadhi ya viongozi, akiwamo aliyekuwa Waziri Mkuu Edward Lowassa, aliyekuwa Waziri wa Nishati na Madini, Nazir Karamagi na Dk. Ibrahim Msabaha kujiuzulu.

Wafanyakazi wa Tanesco walisema jana kwamba viongozi hao wameshiriki katika kulidhoofisha shirika hilo, hivyo wanastahili kushitakiwa na siyo kujiuzulu tu.

Source: Habari Leo, 29/02/2008

Blackout caused no deaths– Muhimbili

THE management of Muhimbili National Hospital has refuted reports that five infants died at midnight on February 27 this year following power cut. The statement issued today by the hospital’s head of Relations Unit Aminiel Aligaesha said the reports by a daily tabloid were unfounded and untrue.

The daily tabloid ran the story today that five infants including two infants who were born prematurely died on the said day after a power cut and a delay to start standby generators.

“There’re no machines which use electricity in a ward which accommodated the premature infants. There’s no child who died due to the power cut as alleged by the newspaper,” read part of the statement.

However, Aligaesha admitted that there was a power cut on that night and Tanesco restored it on February 28 around 1.30pm. “The hospital has six standby generators and they were all switched on during that night until today (February 28) at 9.00 in the morning.” The statement said.

Tanzania Strives to Improve Energy Access Rates with World Bank and Global Environment Facility Support

Eighty-one-thousand rural and urban homes, as well as public services, will gain new access to electricity

December 20, 2007 - On the heels of a 2006 energy crisis that saw much of Tanzania’s population suffer through rolling blackouts, the East African country is working to build new energy investments that will power growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

The Energy Development and Access Expansion Project, a US$111.5 million hybrid International Development Association credit and Global Environment Facility grant, was approved December 13 by the World Bank Board of Executive Directors. It will help Tanzania improve electricity services and provide more energy to households, businesses, and public services.

More......

Ukosefu wa umeme wasababisha hasara ya mamilion Zanzibar

SHIRIKA la Umeme Zanzibar (ZECO) limepata hasara ya mamilimioni ya shilingi kufuatia umeme mjini Zanzibar kukosekana kwa siku tano mfululizo.

Akizungumza na mwandishi wa Mwananchi jana, Meneja wa Shirika hilo, Juma Is-haq Bakari alifahamisha kuwa wateja wao wanaoishi katika eneo la Mji Mkongwe huingiza zaidi ya milioni 5 kwa siku, hivyo kukatika kwa umeme huo kulilikosesha shirika lake kiasi hicho cha fedha kila siku kwenye eneo hilo.

�Wateja wetu wa Mji Mkongwe wanaotumia mita za kulipa kabla (Luku) na hutuingizia zaidi ya milioni tano kwa siku, hivyo tumepata hasara kubwa, ukiachia mbali maeneo mengine ambayo yalikosekana umeme kwa siku zote hizo,� alisema.

Tatizo la kukatika umeme katika Mji wa Zanzibar limeelezwa kuwa linatokana na kukatika kwa nyaya za umeme zinazopita chini ya ardhi, ambapo maeneo mawili yalioathirika zaidi ambayo Mkele na Malindi.

Alisema mafundi wa shirika hilo walibaini kwamba tatizo hilo lilitokea kwenye eneo ambalo lina jalala kubwa ambapo taka hukusanywa na kuchomwa moto na kusababisha baadhi ya nyaya kuungua.

Alifahamisha kuwa awali mafundi walidhani uharibifu huo ulisababishwa na wachimbaji wa mifereji unaofanywa na mradi wa SALCON unaosimamiwa na Manispaa ya Mji wa Zanzibar ambapo katika vipimo vyao waliona michoro ya kampuni hiyo iliyotumia kuzika mabomba yake ya maji machafu.

Alisema mabomba hayo yaligonga waya za umeme na kusababisha hitilafu iliyotokea,

lakini baadae walibaini kwamba tatizo si hilo, bali ni joto la takataka zinazochomwa moto kwenye jalala hilo.

Kukosekana kwa umeme siku nne mfululizo kumewasababishia hasara kubwa wafanyabiashara wa Zanzibar kutokana na baadhi yao kufunga maduka kwa kukosa wateja na wageni kwenye baadhi ya hoteli za kitalii wakihamia mahali pengine.

Katika athari zilizopatikana katika hospitali ya Mnazi Mnazi mmoja watoto wawili walifariki dunia kutokana na kukosekana umeme katika chumba cha watoto waliozaliwa kabla ya muda.

Hata hivyo, Waziri wa Afya na Ustawi wa Jamii Zanzibar, Sultan Mohammed Mugheiry alisema hana taarifa ya kutokea tukio la aina hiyo na kwamba anajua kuwa kwenye hospitali hiyo kuna jenereta la kufua umeme.

Maeneo yaliyoathirika kutokana na kukosekana kwa umeme ni Jongombe, Mombasa, Mji Mkongwe, Chukwani, Kiembe Samaki, Migombani na Mikunguni.

Source: Mwananchi, 25/2/2008

Zanzibar giza siku nne

SHUGHULI za kiuchumi mjini Zanzibar zimesimama kutokana na uhaba wa umeme ulioukumba mji huu kwa siku nne mfululizo sasa.

Uhaba wa umeme ulianza Ijumaa usiku kutokana na nyaya zinazosafirisha nishati hiyo zilizotandikwa chini ya ardhi katika eneo la Mchele na Mlandege kuungua moto.

Kutokana na hali hiyo, baadhi ya watumishi serikalini wamelazimika kuzikimbia ofisi zao baada ya kushindwa kufanya kazi kutokana na joto kali lililosababishwa na kukosekana kwa nishati ya kuendesha viyoyozi na kompyuta.

Kwa upande mwingine, wafanyabiashara nao wamelazimika kuzimwaga bidhaa zao, hasa zile zinazooza kama vile samaki, nyama na matunda baada ya kuharibika kutokana na ukosefu wa umeme.

Aidha, katika maeneo ya Mji Mkongwe, watalii kadhaa walionekana wakihaha kutafuta mawasiliano ili kuwasiliana na watu wengine waliopo nje ya nchi.

Pia baadhi ya wafanyabiashara wa intaneti walilazimika kufunga shughuli zao kutokana na majenereta waliyokuwa wanayatumia kuishiwa na mafuta baada ya kufanya kazi kwa muda mrefu.

Maeneo yaliyoathirika zaidi na tatizo hilo nyumba ya Rais wa Zanzibar, Amani Abeid Karume, eneo la Mbweni, Chupwani, Kiembe Samaki na eneo lote la Mji Mkongwe.

Meneja wa Shirika la Umeme Zanzibar, Juma Isihak, alisema mafundi wanaendelea na juhudi za kurekebisha kasoro hiyo na kwamba tatizo limechukua muda mrefu kushughulikiwa kwa sababu awali mafundi walichelewa kufahamu palipotokea hitilafu hiyo.

“Sifikirii kuleta mafuta kutoka nje, bado mafundi wetu wanaendelea na wanaweza kurejesha hali kama kawaida,” alisema.

Hata hivyo, alisema shirika hilo halina mpango wa kulipa fidia kwa wateja walioathirika na tatizo hilo kwa kuwa limetokea kwa bahati mbaya.

“Hakuna sheria inayotulazimisha kumlipa fidia mteja itakapotokea hali kama hii,” alisema.

Uhaba huo wa umeme pia umesababisha uhaba wa maji mjini Zanzibar kutokana na mitambo ya kusukuma maji kushindwa kufanya kazi.

Waziri wa Maji, Ujenzi, Nishati na Ardhi, Mansour Yusuf Himid, alisema uhaba huo wa umeme umeathiri pia huduma ya maji kutokana na mashine kuzimwa.

Baadhi ya wananchi wamelalamika juu ya upatikanaji wa maji ambako sasa dumu la lita 20 linauzwa kati ya sh 400 hadi sh 500.

Walisema iwapo tatizo hilo litadumu kwa muda mrefu, kunaweza kutokea magonjwa ya mlipuko kwa kuwa maji yanayotumiwa na wananchi wengi si salama.

Source: Tanzania Daima, 25/2/2008

High power tariffs to stay -Tanesco

The Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) has said it will not reduce power charges even if the controversial power purchase contracts are reviewed.

The contested Power Purchase Agreements are those of Richmond, Songas and IPTL. Tanesco pays almost half of its 30bn/- monthly income to service the agreements.

Speaking to The Guardian in an exclusive interview yesterday, Tanesco Managing Director Dr Idris Rashid said the power utility firm would never lower power tariffs.
``However, I would make sure that the tariffs were not hiked further,`` he told The Guardian.

He called on Tanesco customers to understand that the decision to hike power tariffs was in no way related to the Richmond or IPTL saga.

``We were forced to hike the tariffs so as to meet operational costs,`` he said, adding, ``after all, the 152m/- paid daily to Richmond as capacity charges comes from the government.``

Dr Rashid said that it was not possible for Tanesco to reduce electricity charges because the prices of oil and gas remained high and rainfall was not enough to ensure constant power supply.

``Tanzanians should demonstrate so that the prices of oil and gas are reduced. That is the only way we can reduce our operational costs, hence lower tariffs,`` he said.

He said that even if the Richmond/Dowans contract was terminated today, the prices of electricity would remain intact as there was no connection between Tanesco`s operations and the Richmond contract.

On Saturday, university students staged countrywide protests demanding that TANESCO reduces electricity charges due to the 152m/- controversially paid to Richmond, a briefcase firm, on daily basis, a cost that was being passed on to consumers.

The Secretary General of the Tanzania Higher Learning Institutions Organization (TAHLISO), Mtatiro Julius, said the aim of the protest marches was to compel the government to reduce power tariffs as they were too high for the majority.

``The government is taking a wrong track by continuing to milk its citizens, who are largely poor. They must be given time to strive for better living conditions and not struggle to pay for inflated power charges,`` he said.

The opposition CUF members also demonstrated in Dar es Salaam on Sunday to pressure the government to reduce the hiked power tariffs.

Tanesco hiked the power tariffs by 23 percent last year for the 2008/9 period, after originally demanding a 40 percent electricity charges rise, which it still insists.

The power utility firm also hiked by 100 percent its service line connection charges to new customers.

It demanded that without the proposed 40 per cent increment, Tanesco would fail to roll out and connect power to its domestic and commercial customers.

However, reports have indicated that Tanesco may run bankrupt unless the major contracts it entered with foreign companies are reviewed.

According to the East African Business Week, Tanesco�s monthly collection is put at 30 billion shillings ($29m) but it is required to pay capacity charges to the tune of 14 billion shillings ($13m) monthly.

At the centre of controversy is the contract between Tanesco and Richmond Development Company (RDC), now Dowans, whereby Tanesco is to cough up $54 million annually.

Another controversial contract is that of Independent Power Tanzania Ltd (IPTL) whereby Tanesco pays IPTL $4.6 million a month, approximately $55.2 million a year and according to the contract, if Tanesco fails to foot the bill, the Treasury is committed to pay.

Total capacity charges over the 20-year life of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) are $672 million, excluding the cost of power generation.

The Tanesco-Songas is another controversial contract whereby its PPA requires Tanesco to pay $6.5 million as capacity charges on a monthly basis. Such PPA is also bleeding Tanesco�s financial resources.

According to the paper, the Tanzania government is facing a $27 million IPTL lawsuit in the US over �unpaid� capacity charges. The suit was filed at the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.

When contacted for comments on the issue yesterday, Professor Mwesiga Baregu of the University of Dar es Salaam said the government should review the whole thing in regard to power as well as rural electrification.

``It is not about the price, but rather about the whole system in regard to electricity. The report indicated that the amount paid was more than the power supply, which means something ought to be done to put things right.

The Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority should ensure that the price is affordable.

Failure to do so will mean that people will fail to afford it, thus cease to use electricity,� said Professor Baregu.

The Director of the Legal and Human Rights Centre Director Hellen Kijo Bisimba said it was sad to note that the government was yet to act even after knowing the source of the power tariff problem.

``The government should act immediately to solve the problem once and for all. We now know the source of the problem. The more the delay, the more people will suffer, ``said Bisimba.

For his part, Haruna Masebu, head of the Energy and Water Utility Regulatory Authority (Ewura) said it was too early to say whether the power tariffs would go down.

``It is too early to say anything. Following the release of the Richmond Report, a special government committee is working on the findings.

We will decide on the appropriate move once the report is handed over to us,`` said Masebu.

SOURCE: The Guardian, 25/2/2008

Mtoni dump to produce power next month

POWER generation from solid waste is expected to take place at the Mtoni dump next month. The Dar es Salaam City Council Environmental Engineer, Mr Mohammed Mkumba, told the Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Environment), Dr Batilda Burian, in Dar es Salaam today that the project would involve generation of 2.5 megawatts which would be fed into the National Grid.

Mr Mkumba said the project implemented by an Italian investor, Consorzio Stabile Globus, at a cost of 1.5million Euros (about 3bn/-) would used about 18 million tonnes of solid waste. Dr Burian said at the project site that such projects were very important in efforts to minimise the effects of climate change.

The Minister said she was in Monaco (France) recently where ministers for environment from all over the World were meeting to chart out strategies to control climate change. “We should introduce projects which could change solid waste to something which is useful for the national economy but without causing health hazards”, she said One of the residents near the project area, Ms Matuni Bakari, said people there were afraid of effects to be caused by emission of gas from the project.

However Mr Mkumba assured them that their health would not be endangered as a 10 – 15 metre long chimney would be built to reduce the spread of carbon gases. However, the DSM City Council told the minister that implementation of other projects was hampered by inadequate resources. Mr Mkumba mentioned the Sanitary Landfill project at Pugu Kinyamwezi and construction of a Solid Waste Transfer Station which he said needed about 5bn/- and 1.8bn/-, respectively to be finalised.

Source: Daily News; Tuesday,February 26, 2008 @17:02

Ngeleja ataka umeme usambae nchini kote

WAZIRI wa Nishati na Madini, William Ngeleja, amesema kuwa mikakati yake ya sasa ni kuimarisha zaidi miundombinu ya Shirika la Umeme Tanzania (TANESCO), ili kuweza kutoa huduma ya umeme katika maeneo mengi zaidi nchini.

Akizungumza na ‘Tanzania Daima’ Dar es Salaam, jana, Ngeleja alisema kuwa mindombinu mingi ya shirika hilo ni mibovu na michakavu, hivyo kazi yake ya kwanza ni kufanya jitihada za kuiimarisha ili iweze kutoa huduma bora ya nishati ya umeme na kwa watu wengi zaidi.

Alisema kuwa mikakati ya kuimarisha miundombinu hiyo ipo mingi, lakini sehemu ya dola milioni 698 (zaidi ya sh bilioni 700) zilizotolewa msaada na Marekani kupitia Mpango wa Changamoto za Milenia (MCC), zitasaidia zaidi kuharakisha jitihada za wizara yake katika kupambana na matatizo ya umeme.

Alisema katika fedha hizo zilizotolewa na Marekani, wizara yake itapata fungu litakalosaidia zaidi kuimarisha utoaji wa huduma ya umeme hadi vijijini ambako kwa miaka mingi kumekosa umeme kutokana uchakavu wa mifumo ya kufikisha umeme.

“Kazi iliyopo sasa ni kuelekeza nguvu zaidi katika kuboresha mifumo ya kufikisha umeme maeneo mengi zaidi hasa ya vijijini ambako serikali imekuwa ikijitahidi, lakini uwezo ndio unaosumbua,” alisema Ngeleja.

Aliongeza kuwa juhudi za kuimarisha mifumo ya umeme itapewa kipaumbele katika mikoa ya Iringa, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Mbeya, Tanga na Kigoma.

Alisema kuwa maeneo hayo yamekuwa na shida kubwa ya umeme, na kuongeza kuwa mbali ya mikoa hiyo pia wataangalia maeneo mengine ili kuhakikisha umeme unapatikana kwa manufaa ya umma.

Kuhusu suala la kupunguza bei ya umeme kwa watumiaji, alisema kwa sasa jukumu ambalo lipo mbele yao ni kuona jinsi watakavyoweza kuboresha kwa upatikanaji wa huduma na baada ya hapo mamlaka husika zikiwamo Mamlaka ya Usimamizi wa Nishati na Maji (Ewura) itaweza kutoa mapendekezo ya bei ya ulipaji wa nishati hiyo.

“Jukumu la kuongeza ama kupunguza bei ya umeme litafuata taratibu zake zinazoangalia mambo mengi ya msingi, hivyo ninachoweza kusema kwa sasa ni kwamba kwanza ni kuona wapi tunaweza kufanikiwa zaidi kwa kupeleka huduma ya umeme na mambo mengine yatafuata baadaye,” alisema Ngeleja.

Source: Tanzania Daima

Wizi wasababishia Tanesco Moro hasara ya bilioni 1/-

SHIRIKA la Umeme Tanzania (Tanesco) limesema limekuwapo ongezeko la matukio ya wizi wa vifaa na kusababisha kupata hasara ya zaidi ya Sh bilioni 1.2 mkoani humu kwa mwaka 2006 hadi Januari 2008.

Akizungumza na mwandishi mjini hapa jana, Meneja wa Tanesco wa Mkoa wa Morogoro, Bengiel Msofe, alisema katika kipindi hicho vimeibwa vifaa mbalimbali na kulipatia Shirika hilo hasara hiyo kwa kipindi kilichotajwa.

Kwa mujibu wa Meneja huyo, nyaya za umeme na vyuma ndivyo vilivyoongoza kwa kuibwa ambako kwa pamoja vimeliingizia shirika hilo hasara ya Sh milioni 676. Alisema katika kipindi hicho kumekuwa na matukio vya wizi wa vyuma na nyaya yaliyofikia 75 wakati matukio ya wizi wa mafuta ya transfoma ni 65.

Kwa mujibu wa Meneja huyo, wizi wa mafuta hayo umeharibu transfoma 67. Alisema kutokana na Mkoa wa Morogoro kuongoza katika matukio hayo ya uhujumu wa miundombinu ya shirika hilo limeisababishia utoaji wa huduma kwa wateja wake kuwa mgumu.

“Ili kuweza kuendelea kuboresha huduma za umeme katika mkoa tuwaomba wananchi kushirikiana na shirika kuwafichua wanaohujumu miundombinu hiyo kwa vyombo vya dola,” alisema.

Moja ya matukio makubwa yaliyotokea hivi karibuni katika kuhujumu miundombinu ya shirika hilo ni watu wasiojulikana kukata nguzo kubwa ya msongo wa Gridi ya Taifa kutoka Kidatu uliofanyika katika eneo la Msamvu na kuufanya Mkoa wa Dar es Salaam kupata upungufu wa umeme.
Source: Habari Leo

Richmond sasa kuipasua kichwa wizara

WAZIRI wa Nishati na Madini, William Ngeleja, amesema changamoto kubwa inayoikabili wizara hiyo hivi sasa ni kupitia upya mkataba wa Kampuni ya Richmond iliyopewa zabuni ya kuzalisha umeme wa dharura.

Alisema ingawa kamati teule ya Bunge ya kuchunguza mkataba huo imetoa mapendekezo ambayo yanafanyiwa kazi chini ya waziri mkuu, wizara hiyo inapaswa kuupitia mkataba huo mapema kama sehemu ya utekelezaji wa mapendekezo hayo.

Katika mapendekezo, kamati hiyo iliyokuwa chini ya uenyekiti wa Mbunge wa Kyela, Dk. Harrison Mwakyembe, ilishauri pia kupitiwa kwa mkataba huo na mikataba mingine ya nishati nchini. Kamati hiyo imetoa muda wa miezi mitatu kwa serikali kutekeleza mapendekezo hayo.

Waziri Ngeleja alisema hayo jana katika hafla iliyoandaliwa na wafanyakazi wa wizara hiyo ya kuwakaribisha na kuwapongeza kwa kuteliwa, yeye pamoja na naibu wake, Adam Malima.

Alisema sambamba na changamoto hiyo, pia wizara hiyo inapaswa kuliimarisha Shirika la Umeme Tanzania (Tanesco), ili liweze kutoa huduma bora na za uhakika.

“Wizara yetu inakabiliwa na changamoto nyingi… tunapaswa kuimarisha upatikanaji wa huduma ya umeme wa uhakika na yenye ubora. Kwa sasa hali ya maji katika Bwawa la Mtera ni nzuri na hata mvua zisiponyesha, yaliyopo yanaweza kutufikisha katika msimu mwingine wa mvua,”
Source: Tanzania Daima

TANESCO yaendelea kuilipa Richmond mamiloni

TANESCO yaendelea kuilipa Richmond mamiloni

Licha ya Kamati ya Bunge kupendekeza kufutwa kwa mkataba wa Richmond na kutaka malipo ya Sh. milioni 152 yanayotolewa kwa Dowans kila siku yasitishwe hadi jana Shirika la Umeme(TANESCO) liliendelea kuilipa kampuni hiyo.

Meneja Uhusiano wa TANESCO, Bw. Daniel Mshana aliliambia gazeti hili jana katika mahojiano yaliyofanyika jijini Dar es Salaam kuwa shirika linasubiri maelekezo kutoka serikalini.

Alitoa ufafanuzi huo alipoulizwa iwapo TANESCO imejipanga kusitisha malipo hayo na pia aliulizwa kiasi cha fedha kilicholipwa kwa kampuni hiyo tangu kuanza kwa mkataba huo uliosainiwa mwaka jana.

``Bunge lilijadili suala hili na kupendekeza hivyo lakini hatujasitisha malipo maana serikali haijaanza kutekeleza pendekezo hilo. Nadhani bado ipo katika mchakato wa kuyapitia na kufanya taratibu kwa mujibu wa maelekezo,`` alisema.

Alipoulizwa lini mkataba utasimamishwa alisema ni jukumu la Wizara ya Nishati na Madini kuamua wakati wa kuchukua hatua hiyo.

Waziri wa wizara hiyo, Bw. William Ngeleja, alipoulizwa juu ya kusimamisha mkataba huo alisema hatma ya jambo hilo ipo mikononi mwa kamati ya sekta mbalimbali iliyoundwa na Waziri Mkuu Bw. Mizengo Pinda kupitia na kufuatilia utekelezaji wa mapendekezo hayo.

``Tupeni muda kidogo wakati kamati ile inachambua mapendekezo maana wao watatoa mwelekeo mzuri katika utekelezaji ripoti ya Bunge,`` alisema.

Alifafanua kuwa hata kama Dowans wataendelea kulipwa hatua za kisheria zitachukuliwa kurudisha fedha iwapo italazimika kufanya hivyo.

Wiki iliyopita, Bunge lilipitisha mapendekezo 23 yaliyotolewa na kamati yake likiwemo suala la kusitisha malipo ya Sh. milioni 152 kwa kampuni ya Dowans mapema iwezekanavyo.

* SOURCE: Nipashe

Wakulima Same kuanza kulima zao la Jatrofa

Wakulima Same kuanza kulima zao la Jatrofa

2008-01-31 13:58:20
Na ITV Habari

Baadhi ya wakulima wa wilaya ya Same mkoani Kilimanjaro wamehamasika na kuanza kulima zao la Jatrofa baada ya mafuta ya zao hilo kuanza kutumika kuendeshea injini za magari.

Wakizungumza baada ya kuona gari linalotumia mafuta yanayotokana na zao hilo wakulima hao wamesema wamepata matumaini makubwa ya kuondokana na umaskini kupitia zao hilo jipya la biashara.

Naye mwakilishi wa shirika linalotengezeza mafuta hayo kutoka nchini Uholanzi Bw. Adjan Deoswijk amesema mafuta hayo ambayo pia hutumika kwenye mashine za kuzalisha umeme zikiwemo genereta yameonyesha uwezo mkubwa wa kuendesha injini za magari.

* SOURCE: ITV

VAT on biogas gadgets holds back tech deployment

A section of Tanzania`s alternative energy experts believe that the charging of Value added Tax (VAT) on imported biogas gadgets hinders its deployment in rural areas where it is badly needed.

Though quite desirable, majority of rural dwellers are finding it difficult to adopt the green technology because even before the imposition of the 20 per cent VAT rate, basic investment is somewhat on the high side.

The use of biogas technology would be the only way rural communities will have access to sustainable sources of energy,if capital investiment would be reduced by removing VAT in equipments used for compact biogas installation.

Most of the rural dwellers are not connected with the national electricity grid due to poor facilities and lack of capital and if they are connected it`s very expensive.

The view that VAT on biogas equipment was not desirable is particularly championed by the Appropriate Rural Technology Institute (ARTI) executive director Nachiket Potnis, in the belief that its abolition would enable rural communities get access to the alternative, modern and cheap sources of power.

ARTI also argues that widespread use of biogas would enable the country save a lot of foreign exchange, now being expended on the importation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

The success of this measure would also strengthen and stabiles the value of the home currency.

In addition, ARTI also believes that the application of biogas technologies would help the low income earners in both rural and urban areas to reduce poverty as raw materials for its generation was amply available.

Presently, ARTI has engaged the government in a dialogue that is looking for ways for which biogas could be generated to the extent of meeting both household and industrial needs.

However, the removal of VAT on equipment for generating and supplying biogas needs to be carefully handled as this could be exploited by some unscrupulous manufacturers to evade tax payment obligation.

ARTI for instance suggests that VAT for domestically produced equipment such as specialised plastic tanks used in compact biogas generation and connection could be exempted.

The raw-materials for use in the Compact Biogas System are abundantly supplied from waste flour, vegetable residues, waste food, fruit peelings and rotten fruit.

These are used for generating natural gas generation in storage tanks.

The success of ARTI Tanzania and other alternative energy stakeholders would be to provide appropriate energy solutions and enable Tanzanians join the global fraternity in the fight against global warming and climate change, rapid deforestation, decreasing of fossil fuels and general pollution.

ARTI Tanzania is a non profit organisation aiming to develop, promote, standardise, popularise and commercialization of innovative, appropriate and sustainable technologies that are able to improve the quality of life and standard of living of the Tanzanian community.

* SOURCE: Guardian

Moshi wa Richmond wafukuta

Riroti ya Kamati ya Bunge ya kuchunguza mkataba wa Richmond inayosubiriwa na Watanzania wengi kujua kilichomo inatarajiwa kuanza kugawiwa kwa wabunge leo tayari kwa kujadiliwa muda wowote kuanzia sasa.

Habari ambazo hazikuthibitishwa jana, zilisema kuwa huenda ripoti hiyo ikaanza kujadiliwa na wabunge wa CCM leo katika vikao vyao vya siri.

Habari za uhakika zilizopatikana bungeni jana jioni zilisema kuwa wabunge wote wanatarajiwa kugawiwa ripoti hiyo ili waisome tayari kwa kuijadili.

Hatua hiyo imekuja baada ya Spika wa Bunge, Bw. Samwel Sitta, kusitisha safari ya kikazi ya kwenda Marekani.

Taarifa za kusitisha safari hiyo zilitangazwa Bungeni juzi na Naibu Spika, Bi. Anne Makinda ambapo, hata hivyo, hakutoa sababu zilizomfanya Spika Sitta kufuta ziara yake aliyopanga kuondoka juzi.

Wiki iliyopita Bw. Sitta aliwaaga wabunge kuwa hatohudhuria vikao vya Bunge kwa wiki nzima kwa vile atakuwa nchini Marekani, kisha akazuia kuwasilishwa na kusikilizwa kwa ripoti ya Richmond hadi hapo atakaporejea.

Pia alizuia kujadiliwa kwa ripoti ya upotevu wa mamilioni ya pesa Benki Kuu ya Tanzania (BoT) bila yeye kuwepo.

Bw. Sitta alitoa kauli hiyo kwa maelezo kwamba masuala hayo ni nyeti na kwamba yanapaswa kujadiliwa akiwepo.

Katika hatua ambayo haikutarajiwa, majuzi wabunge walisusia semina ya miswada ya sheria za nishati (umeme na mafuta) iliyoandaliwa na Waziri wa Nishati na Madini, Bw. Nazir Karamagi.

Wabunge hao kwanza walitaka wafahamu kilichomo kwenye ripoti ya Richomond ndipo wajadili umuhimu wa mabadiliko yatakayoletwa na sheria hizo mpya.

Source: The Guardian, 6/2/2008

Ripoti ya Richmond 'kuanikwa' leo

HATIMAYE hamu ya wabunge kutaka kuona na kujua wahusika katika mkataba wenye utata wa kampuni ya kuzalisha umeme ya Richmond itakidhiwa leo wakatakapokabidhiwa rasmi ripoti ya Kamati Teule ya Bunge iliyoundwa Katika mkutano uliopita.

Habari za uhakika kutoka vyanzo mbalimbali zilieleza kuwa hadi jana asubuhi, kazi ya kukamilisha ripoti hiyo ilikuwa ikiendelea na ilitarajiwa kumalizika jioni na kuwasilishwa mezani kwa Spika leo na baadaye kugawiwa kwa wawakilishi hao wa wananchi.

“Ripoti ile ni kubwa sana, si kama zile ambazo tulizoea kutoka kwa mawaziri (kauli za mawaziri), kuanzia wiki nzima inafanyiwa kazi ya maandalizi na leo (jana) ilikuwa kwenye hatua za kuwekwa majalada ili kesho (leo) wagawiwe wabunge,” kilisema chanzo chetu.

Akizungumza na Majira kwa njia ya simu jana, Spika wa Bunge, Bw. Samwel Sitta, hakukataa wala kukubali kuwasilishwa kwa ripoti hiyo leo na kusisitiza kuwa atatangaza kila kitu leo asubuhi.

“Nitatangaza kila kitu kesho (leo) saa nne asubuhi, kikubwa tu mtu wako asikose kuwapo,” alisisitiza Bw. sitta na kuomba mwandishi wa habari hizi kuvuta subira mpaka leo atakapoweka mambo hadharani.

Wakizungumza na Majira baadhi ya wabunge wa CCM ambao hawakupenda majina yao yatajwe, walisema wao hawana taarifa hizo, ila wamepata matumaini mapya kama itakuwa hivyo, hasa baada ya Spika kusitisha ziara yake ya Marekani na kusisitiza kuwa ndicho walichokuwa wanasubiri kwa hamu.

“Ni wazi, kwamba hizo ni habari njema sana kwetu na kwa wananchi waliotutuma kuwasemea, lakini nakuhakikishia kuwa hatutamlinda mtu yeyote atayeonekana alishiriki kinyume na taratibu,” alisema mmoja wa wabunge wa CCM.

Kuanzia juzi, vikao kadhaa vya wabunge wa CCM vilikuwa vikiendelea huku jambo kubwa ikidokezwa kuwa ni juhudi za kutaka kuweka mambo sawa, hasa baada ya joto zaidi kupanda, hata wabunge kugoma kujadili muswada wa umeme na biashara ya mafuta, hadi watakapopokea ripoti ya Richmond na kujua kilichomo.

Katika hali iliyoonekana kuwa si ya kawaida, kikao cha Kamati ya Uongozi ya CCM, pia kilifanyika juzi na kuhudhuriwa na Katibu Mkuu wa CCM, Bw. Yusufu Makamba, ambapo ilidaiwa kuwa ajenda kuu ilikuwa ni kujipanga kwa ajili ya ripoti ya Richmond.

Awali akitoa matangazo baada ya kipindi cha maswali na majibu jana asubuhi, Naibu Spika wa Bunge, Bi Anna Makinda, alisema kikao cha Kamati ya Wabunge wa CCM ambacho kilipangwa kufanyika jana sasa kitafanyika leo saa 2 usiku.

“Kwa hali ilivyokuwa, kuna uwezekano mkubwa kuwa ndicho chanzo cha kuahirishwa kwa kikao chetu leo (jana), kuna mambo ambayo yalikuwa hayajakaa sawa, hivyo ilibidi kwanza kiahirishwe mpaka hayo yakamilike kwanza,” kilisema chanzo chetu kutoka miongoni mwa wabunge wa CCM.

Habari zaidi zilieleza kuwa Kamati ya Uongozi ya chama hicho kilichofanyika juzi, kilihoji uwezekano wa wabunge wa CCM kukutana kabla ya kukabidhiwa ripoti hiyo na kwamba yaliyomo ni lazima yajadiliwe kwanza na wabunge hao kabla ya kutoa mawazo yao bungeni kesho.

Wakati huo huo, Rais Jakaya Kikwete, anatarajiwa kuwasili mjini hapa kuongoza kikao cha Baraza la Mawaziri huku kukiwa na taarifa kwamba baada ya kikao hicho, kutakuwa na jambo jipya linaloweza kuleta mabadiliko makubwa katika siasa na uongozi wa nchi.

Source: majira, 6/2/2008

TANESCO yamwongezea mteja mzigo

TANESCO yamwongezea mteja mzigo

SHIRIKA la Umeme Tanzania (TANESCO) kwa mara nyingine imeanzisha mbinu zaidi za kumkamua mteja wake kwa kuongeza asilimia moja katika malipo yake ya LUKU na Ankara.

Kwa mujibu wa matangazo ya shirika hilo kwenye vyombo vya habari jana, watoa huduma za maji na nishati nchini wanapaswa kuchangia asilimia moja ya mapato yao kwa Mamlaka ya Udhibiti wa Maji na Nishati (EWURA).

"Kwa mujibu wa sheria namba 414 ya EWURA kifungu cha 43(3) watoa huduma za maji na nishati wanapaswa kuchangia asilimia moja ya mapato yao kwa EWURA.

"Kutokana na sheria hiyo, kuanzia Februari mosi mwaka huu, TANESCO imeingiza gharama hiyo ya asilimia moja, kwenye malipo ya umeme na kuonesha kwenye risiti za kununua umeme wa LUKU na ankara," lilisema tangazo la TANESCO jana.

Ili kufafanua hatua hiyo, shirika hilo ambalo hivi karibuni lilipandisha bei ya umeme wake, lilibainisha kuwa kuanzia wakati huo ankara zake zitasomeka: "VAT(20%)+ EWURA CHARGES (1%)" na kwenye risiti itakuwa: "VAT(20%)+EWURA CHARGES (1%)".

Wakati huo huo, Shirika hilo limewaeleza wateja wake kuwa muda wa kulipa madeni ya umeme bila riba ya asilimia mbili inayotozwa kwa wateja wenye madeni, umeongezwa kuanzia Februari mosi hadi Aprili 30 mwaka huu.

"Kama mtakumbuka, wakati wa kampeni ya kukusanya madeni mwishoni mwa mwaka jana, wateja ambao wamelimbikiza madeni ya umeme, walitakiwa kulipia madeni yao yote na hivyo kupewa motisha ya kufutiwa riba inayotozwa kwa wateja waliolimbikiza madeni," ilisema taarifa ya TANESCO.

Ilisema kwa hali hiyo, wateja ambao hawakuweza kulipa madeni yao wakati wa kampeni, wanaombwa kulipa madeni yao ili waweze kupewa motisha ya kufutiwa riba katika kipindi cha miezi mitatu.

Ilisisitiza kuwa kwa wateja ambao watashindwa kulipia madeni yao katika muda uliotolewa, hatua stahili zitachukuliwa, ikiwa ni pamoja na kukatiwa umeme.

Source: Majira, 6/2/2007

Karamagi: Nitafurahi IPTL ikivunja mkataba

WAZIRI wa Nishati na Madini, Nazir Karamagi amesema atafurahi iwapo atasikia Kampuni binafsi ya kuzalisha umeme ya IPTL ikivunja mkataba wake na serikali.

Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari katika ofisi ndogo za Bunge wakati wa kikao cha Kamati ya Bunge ya Uwekezaji na Biashara, Dar es Salaam jana, Waziri Karamagi alisema hatua hiyo itasaidia kupunguza mzigo wa kuilipa mamilioni ya fedha kampuni hiyo.

“Nitafurahi sana kama IPTL siku moja nikisia inavunja mkataba na serikali, kwa sababu tumekuwa tukitoa kiasi kikubwa cha fedha kwa ajili ya kuilipa kutokana na kuzalisha umeme kwa muda mrefu sasa,” alisema Waziri Karamagi.

Alisema jambo hilo ni la hiari na wala serikali haina mamlaka kwa vile IPTL bado ina mkataba wa miaka 11 na serikali katika uzalishaji wa nishati hiyo muhimu kwa matumizi ya wananchi.

“Hili ni suala la hiari kwa kuwa IPTL bado wana mkataba wa miaka 11 mbele yetu, lakini kwa sasa itaendelea na mkataba wake hadi ukapomalizika kama makubaliano yaliyopo yanavyoonyesha kwenye mkataba,” alisema Waziri Karamagi.

Kuhusu muswada wa sheria ya umeme, Waziri Karamagi alisema endapo utapitishwa na kuwa sheria, utasaidia serikali kupunguza mzigo mzito iliyonao katika uendeshaji wa Shirika la Umeme Tanzania (Tanesco).

Alisema licha ya gharama za uwekezaji kwenye sekta ya umeme kuwa kubwa, ambapo kwa mwekezaji yeyote atataka kupata faida, jambo ambalo kwa hivi sasa haliepukiki.

Alisema ujio wa sheria mpya utasaidia kuondoa sheria iliyotungwa miaka mingi iliyopita, lengo likiwa ni kukabiliana na hali ya mageuzi ya kiuchumi.

Alisema mbali ya sheria hiyo, serikali imeanzisha chombo cha wakala wa usambazaji umeme vijijini ambacho kitakuwa na kazi ya kusambaza nishati ambacho kitakuwa kinapewa ruzuku na serikali.

Source: Tanzania Daima, jan 18, 2008

Ewura kudhibiti bei ya umeme sekta binafsi

WAZIRI wa Nishati na Madini, Nazir Karamagi amesema kwamba Mamalaka ya Udhibiti wa Nishati na Maji (Ewura) itaendelea kuratibu bei za umeme wakati sekta binafsi itakapoanza kuzalisha nishati hiyo kuepusha wazalishaji kujipangia bei.

Karamagi alisema jana kuwa Ewura ndicho chombo cha serikali ambacho kitaendelea na jukumu hilo la uratibu baada ya sheria ya kuliondolea ukiritimba Shirika la Umeme Tanzania (Tanesco) itakapoanza kutumika.

Muswada huo ambao jana ulikuwa unajadiliwa na wadau mbalimbali utawasilishwa katika kikao kijacho cha Bunge. Muswada huo una lengo la kuiwezesha sekta ya umeme iwe bora na inayopatikana kwa bei nafuu.

Waziri alisema uwekezaji wa umeme ni gharama kubwa hivyo anaamini kuwa wawekezaji kwenye sekta hiyo watakuwa wachache hali itakayolazimu Ewura kuendelea kuratibu bei hizo.

“Labda kwa hapo baadaye wanaweza kuwa wengi hivyo serikali inaweza kuruhusu kila mtu kujipangia bei yake, lakini kwa kuanzia naamini ewura wataendelea na jukumu hilo,” alisema wakati anazungumza kwenye kikao cha kamati ya Bunge ya Uwekezaji na Biashara.

Awali wadau walitahadharisha kuwa wawekezaji hao wanaweza kujipangia bei kama ilivyo katika sekta za simu na benki hivyo kusababisha kusiwepo na unafuu wa nishati hiyo.

Wadau hao pia waliomba serikali kutunga sheria zitakazowabana wawekezaji hao wasiweze kuanzisha mradi wa umeme na baadaye wakafunga mradi huo hali ambayo inaweza kusababisha usumbufu kwa wananchi.

Waliipongeza hatua ya serikali kuandaa muswada huo ambao utafuta sheria ya umeme ya mwaka 1931 ambao ulikuwa unaipa haki Tanesco pekee kuwa wazalishaji, wasambazaji wa umeme.

Source: HabariLeo; Wednesday,January 16, 2008 @00:05

Morogoro gizani

Wilaya tatu za Mkoa wa Morogoro, ziko gizani kwa siku mbili sasa kufuatia transfoma inayosambaza nishati hiyo kwa wilaya hizo kupata hitilafu na kuteketea kabisa.

Wilaya zilizoathiriwa na hali hiyo ni Morogoro, Kilosa na Mvomero.

Tatizo hilo lilitokea juzi usiku, lilisababishwa na radi ambapo pia iliunguza jenereta tegemezi ya hospitali ya Mkoa wa Morogoro.

Kaimu Meneja wa Shirika la Umeme Nchini (Tanesco) mkoani Morogoro, Bw. Mhandisi Theodory Bayona aliiambia PST jana kuwa, hitilafu hiyo ilisababishwa na radi iliyopiga kituo hicho juzi saa 1:30 usiku.

Bw. Bayona alisema kazi ya kuirejesha huduma hiyo katika hali ya kawaida ni ngumu na hawajui itakamilika lini.

Hata hivyo, alisema jitihada za kuhakikisha kwamba kazi hiyo inakalimika mapema iwezekanavyo, zinaendelea.

Alisema transfoma iliyoungua ni ya kilovoti 33 na kwamba kilichokwamisha kuanza mapema kwa matengenezo hayo ni kukosekana kwa vifaa ambavyo vimeagizwa Tanesco makao makuu ya jijini Dar es Salaam na mkoani Dodoma pamoja na baadhi ya mafundi kwa ajili ya kuifanya kazi hiyo.

Aidha, taarifa kutoka Mamlaka ya Maji Safi na Maji Taka iliyothibitishwa na wataalam wa maji waliotembelea eneo la tukio jana, zinasema asilimia 70 ya wakazi wa Manispaa ya Morogoro wanaotegemea chanzo cha maji cha bwawa la Mindu, hawatapata huduma ya maji hadi tatizo hilo la umeme litakapopatiwa ufumbuzi.

Mjumbe wa Bodi ya Maji MORWASA ambaye pia ni Katibu Tawala wa Mkoa wa Morogoro, Bw. Godfrey Ngaleya aliyetembelea eneo la tukio, alisema hali hiyo inatokana na mashine za maji zilizopo katika chanzo hicho kushindwa kusukuma maji bila nguvu ya umeme.

Kwa sasa, wanaopata maji ni wakazi wanaoishi maeneo ya milimani ambao hawategemei chanzo hicho.

Katika hatua nyingine, Mganga Mkuu wa Mkoa wa Morogoro, Dk. Meshack Massi alisema hitilafu hiyo ya umeme, pia ilijeruhi watu saba na kuunguza jenereta ya akiba na tegemezi kwa katika hospitali kuu ya Mkoa wa Morogoro sambamba na kukosekana kwa huduma ya maji.

Alisema kutorejea haraka kwa huduma ya umeme, kutawathiri wagonjwa hasa walio katika Chumba cha Uangalizi Maalum (ICU) na upasuaji.

Alisema majeruhi sita kati yao, walipatiwa matibabu na kuruhusiwa jana lakini mmoja bado hali yake siyo nzuri na alichukuliwa na wazazi wake na kuhamishiwa jijini Dar es Salaam kwa matibabu zaidi.

Alisema kwa sasa wanategemea jenereta ndogo mbili ambazo hazina nguvu ya kuweza kufanya kazi kwa zaidi ya saa tatu mfululizo.

Kutokana na hali hiyo, ameiomba Tanesco kufanya jitihada za kuhakikisha huduma hiyo inarudi haraka.

Alisema tatizo hilo limekuja katika kipindi kibaya cha siku kuu za mwisho wa mwaka ambapo ajali na matukio mengi ya majereha hutokea.

Kwa sasa hospitali pekee inayoweza kupokea wagonjwa na kuwahudumia kikamilifu ni ya Mtakatifu Francis iliyopo Ifakara wilayani Kilombero.

Source: Nipashe

New power tariffs yet to apply in Zanzibar

The newly announced nationwide hikes in electricity tariffs and service line connection charges, in use in mainland Tanzania since last Tuesday, are yet to take effect in the Isles.

The reason given for the delay in implementing the directive, which has the blessings of the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) on request from the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), is that the matter must be subjected to further scrutiny by the government.

``Following the sensitive nature of the directive, the matter has been sent to the Union government authorities for necessary further consideration,`` Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO) spokesperson Salum Hassan said here yesterday.

He explained that the three topmost ZECO officials had met Tanesco and Ewura officials over the issue �but no consensus was reached``.

``That`s why the matter has now been forwarded to Prime Minister Edward Lowassa and Isles Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, the two government officials co-chairing a committee responsible for resolving it,`` he added. He would not say how long the committee would take to deal with the issue.

Hassan said representatives of the Tanesco, ZECO and Ewura management teams had held a meeting at which Tanesco distanced itself from the decision to raise power tariffs for Zanzibar consumers by 168 per cent, explaining that it had proposed a hike of only 39 per cent.

According to the ZECO official, Ewura admitted that it had not properly understood Tanesco`s recommendations ``but noted that there was no possibility of reversing the decisions reached on new tariffs and charges``.

Hassan said that, until now, no committee has sat to discuss revising the Ewura-sanctioned tariffs in respect of the Isles` side.

But he expressed the view that most people would be ``seriously overburdened if the changes are implemented as passed by Ewura because they earn very low incomes``.

``That is why ZECO is working closely with the government to settle the problem,`` he pointed out.He said that, with the proposed tariffs in force, ZECO would be forced to spend more than 2.1bn/- a month buying 40MW, up from the current 900m/-.

``That would surely shatter the Zanzibar government`s dream of supplying power to the rural population as one way of reducing poverty levels among the people,`` noted Hassan further.

Ewura last month approved 21.7 per cent hike in power tariffs in mainland Tanzania and a much bigger rise in service line connection charges, saying that was meant to help Tanesco remain afloat.

The move has since sparked off a countrywide outcry, with consumers complaining that it would make their lives overly difficult and adversely affect the national economy.

There have also been complaints that Ewura had acted unilaterally, with the pre-implementation public hearings the agency organised involving too few stakeholders to make a difference.

SOURCE: Guardian