Hassan Magulumali
The Rural Energy Agency (REA) Phase Two B (HEP 2B) project is expected to significantly expand and stimulate agricultural produce processing in Katavi Region, where the majority of residents depend on crop production.
Katavi Regional Commissioner Mwanamvua Mrindoto made the remarks on February 6, 2026, shortly after being introduced to the contractor, M/s ETDCO Ltd, which has been awarded the contract to implement the HEP 2B electrification project. The project will extend electricity services to 358 sub-villages, benefiting more than 11,500 residents across the region.
Mrindoto said reliable electricity access will enable value addition and reduce the practice of selling raw agricultural produce without processing. He noted that improved power supply will help raise the market value of crops by supporting better processing and packaging.
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“Instead of selling raw produce, we will be selling processed goods. Availability of electricity will increase the value of crops because they will be processed under better conditions and sold as finished products rather than raw materials,” he said.
He added that dependable electricity through the HEP 2B project will accelerate economic growth, attract investment, and create employment opportunities for youth, women, elders, and other community groups in Katavi.
The Regional Commissioner urged the contractor to mobilize quickly and begin work at full speed, stressing that residents are primarily interested in seeing electricity delivered rather than hearing plans and promises.
“Citizens need electricity, not words, not promises, not schedules, and not procedures,” he emphasized.
Speaking at the event, REA Director General’s representative, Mussa Muze, said the main objective of the HEP 2B project is to expand electricity access to sub-villages in Katavi and support inclusive social and economic development.
Katavi REA Projects Coordinator Gilbert Furia called on residents to cooperate fully during project implementation and to take advantage of the incoming electricity supply to improve their economic activities.
Meanwhile, the contractor’s representative from M/s ETDCO Ltd, Abdalah Mitenda, assured the Regional Commissioner that local contractors will be given priority in carrying out various project activities and encouraged them to seize the available opportunities.
