THE government has acquired equipment worth over 3bn/- to drill geothermal wells for electricity generation at Lake Ngosi in Rungwe District, Mbeya Region.

The equipment, sourced from various countries, arrived in Mbeya city lately for the Geothermal Development Co. (TGDC), implementing the project.

Shakiru Kajugusi, the TGDC director, said at an event to receive that equipment, that the firm had inspected that equipment and confirmed it was in good condition. It would soon be transported to the project site, he stated.

The Lake Ngosi project is a priority and the TANESCO subsidiary will ensure timely delivery of the equipment to begin implementation.

“We expect to start the project by the end of February or early March. With the equipment now on-site, there will be no further delays,” he said.

Hoja Honori, the Lake Ngosi geothermal project acting manager, urged the local community to help safeguard the received equipment from damage or theft, noting that this could disrupt the project's progress.

The cited the high cost of equipment and the need for its protection to ensure it is properly used in electricity generation. Once finished, the project would benefit the country at large by increasing electricity supply, contributing to various developmental activities.

“The government has invested significantly in this equipment, and the local community should help protect it. Once completed, the project will bring significant benefits to them as well,” he said.

Safina Yunde, the well-drilling contractor, cited plans to hire local residents for non-technical tasks, such as security, materials handling and such other tasks under supervision, to maintain good relations with the surrounding villages.

TGDC has drilled a test well in the Mbaka-Kyejo area in Busokelo area, Rungwe District, and now the major Lake Ngosi project is underway, he added.