Makamba's Mission: Speeding Up Energy Sector Reforms
The energy sector in Tanzania is undergoing a rapid transformation, and Salome Makamba, the newly appointed Deputy Minister for Energy, is determined to lead the charge. During her first visit to the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) in Dodoma, Makamba emphasized the need for accelerated reforms, innovation, and operational efficiency to meet the country's growing energy demands.
In a bold statement, Makamba declared, 'I am not a believer in failure. I urge you to align yourselves with the pace we are setting so that you continue to excel in your operations.' This sentiment sets the tone for her leadership, which focuses on speed, improved service delivery, and transformative regulatory practices.
While acknowledging EWURA's efforts in maintaining regulatory stability in the electricity, petroleum, and natural gas sub-sectors, Makamba stressed the importance of elevating performance and embracing modern solutions. She believes that Tanzania's energy sector must adapt to the changing landscape to ensure sustainable growth.
The government, Makamba explained, expects regulators to go beyond maintaining standards. They should actively drive efficiency, reduce bureaucratic delays, and support sector growth through timely approvals and forward-thinking regulatory frameworks. This proactive approach is crucial for the sector's modernization.
During the briefing, EWURA Director General, Dr. James Andilile, provided an insightful overview of the Authority's mandate, recent achievements, and priority areas. These include enhanced consumer protection mechanisms, improved monitoring of service providers, and stricter oversight of new energy investments. Dr. Andilile assured the Deputy Minister that EWURA is committed to delivering reliable, safe, and high-quality services while adopting new strategies to tackle emerging challenges.
'We will continue to improve efficiency in the execution of our mandate to ensure citizens receive the quality and reliability they deserve,' Dr. Andilile promised. Makamba's visit and her emphasis on speed and efficiency signal a new era of modernization in Tanzania's energy sector, with the potential to revolutionize the way energy is regulated and delivered.
