4 June 2004

Hon Mr DanielYona, Minister of Energy and Minerals
Her Excellency Jorunn Mählum, the Ambassador of Norway,
Members of Parliament,
District Commissioner and Officials
Chair of the TANESCO Board
Management of TANESCO
TANESCO Staff
Ladies and Gentlemen

First of all I am very honoured to be invited to this “Handing-over Ceremony” and I would like to thank the host and organizers for a well arranged presentation of a Hydro Power Station that is in such a good condition.

There are few occasions that are so rewarding for a person involved in development cooperation as witnessing the completion of a successfully implemented project. I am convinced that the rehabilitation of the Kidatu Power Hydro Power Station is one such successful completion. The Swedish Government is pleased to be associated with this rehabilitation project and pleased to have joined hands with the Norwegian Government in providing financial resources.

When going through the history of the Kidatu, it is obvious that this hydro power station has played a vital role in supplying Tanzania with electricity as a key supplier for almost 30 years. I would like to congratulate the Government of Tanzania, TANESCO and all those who have actively contributed in the realization of Kidatu. May Kidatu continue to serve the people of Tanzania and continue to be a back bone of power generation in Tanzania! I am convinced that Tanzania and Kidatu will benefit from more generous rains in the future than has been the case recently.   

I would like to mention that Sweden, through Sida is strongly committed to supporting the continued development of the energy sector in Tanzania. We are convinced that this sector plays a very important role in the economic development of the country in general and in improving the living conditions also for poor people in rural areas. Sweden provides funds for rural electrification, strengthening TANESCO and as from this year we are prepared to assist Zanzibar in its efforts to further develop the energy sector. Currently Sweden is financing rural electrification in the Serengeti, Urambo and Makambako districts, where projects are in different stages of implementation. Projects under discussion are rural electrification of Ukerewe and Simanjiro. Sweden is also assisting Tanzania in establishing the rural energy agency and the rural energy fund, which will be instrumental in providing increased access to electricity in rural areas in Tanzania.  

Let me conclude by once again congratulating the Government of Tanzania and TANESCO for the successful completion of the rehabilitation of the Kidato II. We are convinced that TANESCO is doing a good job in a situation where the powers of the weather have not been very helpful. I would like to wish Management and staff of TANESCO and the management of Kidatu Hydro Power Station every success in their endeavours.

Thank you for your attention