- The EAC Chairperson has emphasised the significance of the energy sector in achieving socio-economic development.
- Ssemuwemba said that the EAC has rich energy resources, most of which remain untapped.
The EAC Chairperson Shaib Hassan Kaduara and the Minister of Water, Energy and Minerals in Tanzania, standing for the current EAC Chair from the Republic of South Sudan during the opening session of the East African Community (EAC) Ministerial Session, has emphasised the significance of the energy sector in achieving socio-economic development of east Africa.
Also, Mr Kaduara said, “Energy plays a critical role in industrial development and investment promotion, and therefore, access to reliable, safe and cost-effective energy is not optional but compulsory if our region is to realise its development objectives.”
The Minister invited partner states to the official launch of Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere Hydropower Plant, scheduled for February 25 this year. He added that the launch of this project is a milestone that will reduce the deficit of electricity in Tanzania and the entire region.
This hydropower plant has a capacity of generating 2,115 Megawatts. In her remarks, the EAC Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Customs, Trade and Monetary Affairs, Ms Annette Ssemuwemba, said that the EAC has rich energy resources, most of which remain untapped.
“Most people still rely on biomass, which is inefficiently utilised and degrades our environment,” said Ms Ssemuwemba, who represented EAC Secretary-General Dr Peter Mathuki at the meeting. “As a region, we must focus on sufficient, reliable and cost-effective energy to meet our development needs. In this regard, there is a need to develop recommendations for solutions that will guide the sector,” Ms Ssemuwemba added.
Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Hydraulic, Energy and Mines from the Republic of Burundi, Engineer Ibrahim Uwizeye and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for EAC, the ASALs and Regional Development, Ms Peninah Malonza.