Authorities in Tanzania have shut down five hydroelectric stations in a bid to reduce excess electricity in the national grid.
Tanzania prime minister Kassim Majaliwa has said said the main plant, Mwalimu Nyerere Hydroelectric Station, has alone generated enough electricity to power major cities, including Dar es Salaam, the country’s commercial hub.
The 2,115 MW Julius Nyerere hydropower dam is said to be almost full with water, following heavy rains that started early this year.
A current spell of extreme weather has caused at least 58 deaths in Tanzania and devastated other East African nations.
It is the first time Tanzania, which suffers chronic power shortages, has closed hydroelectric stations due to excess production.