Dodoma — AN electrification project to take power to Lunguya, Shilela and Segese villages in Bukombe is set to take off this financial year, the National Assembly was told.

The Deputy Minister for Energy and Minerals, Mr Stephen Masele, said the villages will get electricity through the 'Electricity V' project being funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Mr Masele said the tendering exercise to get a contractor has been completed and they are in the process of sorting and appraising the tenders to get the contractor. He said the contractor is expected to begin work at the end of this year and will cost over 10 million US dollars.

The deputy minister was responding to a basic question from Ezekiel Maige (Msalala - CCM) who wanted to know when the project will take off. Mr Masele said other areas that will benefit from the project are Ushirombo, Ikinda, Ushirika, Mlale, Bwelwa (Mbogwe) Nanda, Ituga Primary School, Ituga, Bukombe, Lubeho, Masumbwe, Mzambaraoni, Cagry Ginnery, Kagwe, Nipha Ginnery, Bintubii A and B, Lugunga, Kakumbi and Lunzewe.

He said the government will take into consideration Mr Maige's suggestion of employing two contractors to speed up the project because its implementation is late by seven years. Mr Masele added that the government will also connect electricity to health centres and schools in areas where the project will pass through.