LHRC Recommends Solutions for Tanzania's Power Outages

On February 19, 2024, LHRC presented four recommendations to the Government of Tanzania regarding the issue of power outages in the country and their impact on human rights. Speaking to the press at LHRC HQ in Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam, the Executive Director of LHRC, Dr. Anna Henga, made the following recommendations:
1. The Government should take immediate steps to ensure a reliable electricity supply within a short timeframe. This is feasible, as we have witnessed over the past six years that the country has had a reliable power supply.
2. Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) should schedule maintenance of power generation facilities, considering the science of climate change. For example, on November 23, 2022, TANESCO issued a public statement regarding the electricity shortage and its mitigation plan, attributing the challenge to drought and the maintenance of power plants.
3. TANESCO should provide clear and consistent information to the public.
• For instance, on September 12, 2023, the former Managing Director of TANESCO, Mr. Maharage Chande, stated that due to the water shortage in the country's reservoirs for power generation, delayed rains would result in a shortage of electricity.
• However, during October and November 2023, heavy rains fell across the country. Yet, on November 24, 2023, the current Managing Director, Engineer Gissima Nyamo-Hangahilo, stated that the flow of rainwater did not replenish the reservoirs of Mtera, Kidatu, and Kihansi power generation plants.
4. The Government should increase investment in energy sources that are less vulnerable to climate change. This recommendation aims to enhance sustainable electricity availability since the challenge of climate change significantly affects power generation shortages.