Tanzania’s president on Friday inaugurated a huge hydroelectric dam project in the country’s largest wildlife reserve and
UNESCO World Heritage Site, calling it the start of “economic liberation.”
Some wildlife groups have expressed dismay over the $2.9 billion Stiegler’s Gorge project in the Selous Game Reserve, which the United Nations calls one of Africa’s largest protected areas.
It is relatively undisturbed by humans and shelters “one of the most significant concentrations” of elephants, black rhinos and other animals, UNESCO says .
“ Beginning today, this will indicate that Tanzania is an independent country … and not a poor country. ”
President John Magufuli told the gathering that the reserve has been considered a potential energy source for decades in the East African nation where electricity prices remain high.
“Beginning today, this will indicate that Tanzania is an independent country … and not a poor country,” Magufuli said, expressing hope that the project will boost industrial development. “It’s time to benefit from our national resources.”
Tanzania’s energy minister says the 2,115-megawatt dam’s construction is now at 15% and will take another three years to complete.
The president also announced a plan to turn a large part of Selous into a national park named after Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere.
In a statement, the WWF conservation group said the Selous Game Reserve is of extraordinary importance and urged Tanzania’s government to consider “less harmful energy alternatives.”
The International Monetary Fund earlier this year said the economy of Tanzania, considered a low-income country, was projected to grow by 4% this year, down from 6.6% last year.
AP
Trade between African and GCC countries stands at $ 121 billion in 2023, double of what it was in 2016.…
Family members struggling after one week after of Cyclone Chido ripped through the French island territory of Mayotte expressed helplessness…
The United Arab Emirates has launched its orphanage project in Ethiopia's Oromia region on the orders of President Sheikh Mohamed…
In just four months, 100 women have been killed, the majority by males they knew including spouses. Prime Cabinet Secretary…
The Ghanaian entertainment industry is in deep mourning following the sudden death of Bright Owusu, better known as C Confion.…
Since the beginning of December more than five hundred people have lost their lives on the nation's highways. Barbara Creecy,…
This website uses cookies.