The facility, which at peak had more than 12,000 workers on site, is expected to contribute to Tanzania’s GDP and provide power to neighboring countries. The project team facilitated training for 5,000 Tanzanians and provided on-site housing for workers.

According to The Arab Contractors, the project required ingenuity in addressing challenges. Among the advancements in construction methods and technologies, the team used roller compacted concrete in the dam structure. “This technique allowed for efficient large-scale placement, reduced curing time, and improved thermal control—addressing key challenges typically encountered in mass concrete works,” the project team said.

The construction of a diversion tunnel to reroute the Rufiji River during construction of the dam’s foundation was another challenge. “The design and execution of the upstream and downstream cofferdams under flood-prone conditions required careful sequencing to ensure dry working environments and uninterrupted progress,” the project team said.