The government was yesterday forced to withdraw the 2011/12 Energy and Minerals ministry estimates after members of
Parliament threatened to block the estimates for failing to offer solutions to the intensifying power crisis.
Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda, announcing the withdrawal of the estimates, said the total power generated currently was 457 megawatts whereby 325 megawatts are from gas plants and 132 from hydro powers units, way below the national power demands of 833MW.
He pleaded with the MPs to suspend the debate on the estimates to enable the government find solutions to the issues raised by the legislators.
The estimates would be re-tabled in the House in three weeks.
The decision by the PM came after the CCM parliamentary caucus met to discuss the fate of the budget estimates after the string of criticisms from opposition and ruling party MPs.
“I agree with the MPs on the matters raised on energy and minerals, and mainly on the unending power rationing. Anybody who says there is no problem will be a liar because power touches every section of our lives,” said the Premier.
The Prime Minister said the government would work hard to ensure that by next month, an emergency plant to generate 100 megawatts should be ready and operational to bring total power generated to 770 megawatts and that by December this year 300 megawatts should be added to the national grid system
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