Zanzibar Electricity

Zanzibar will remain in darkness for one month after some gadget in the power supply system from Tanzania Mainland collapsed on Monday. This means Zanzibaris and visitors to the isles may be inconvenienced during Christmas and New-Year celebrations.

Zanzibar Minister for Energy, Construction, Water and Land Mr Mansour Yussuf Himid said here yesterday that the blackout might last for at least one month.

“Unfortunately the gadget known as ‘splitter’ collapsed yesterday (Monday) when technicians attempted to switch on power after days of efforts to repair the main receiver at Fumba power station,” he said.

Fumba, Unguja West is the power station receiving electricity from Rasikiromoni, Tanzania mainland through submarine cable. Mr Mansour told reporters in his office in Zanzibar that already preparations were underway to purchase the ‘splitter’ from abroad.

“We ask people to remain patient as we try to restore electricity. We expect to complete the work within one month”, he explained.

Mr Mansour also emphasized that the current 45 megawatts cable transporting power from mainland was dilapidated and needed replacement urgently to avoid frequent breakdowns in future.

Frequent power failures in the isles have caused many problems including shortage of clean and safe water, and fuel, which in turn sparked price rise of commodities and fares.

However, Mr Mansour said that there was now sufficient fuel to last at least for one month. He said the government was also working round the clock to find alternative power by purchasing generators.

“We’re considering long term plans of producing power through wind and solar though they are very expensive projects”, the minister added.

Guest Feedback

Ed. Thank you for your kind Christmas Greetings,we are still living on the wonderful memories of our great holiday. Thank you once again for organising this so well for us. Have a great Christmas and New Year and continue with the great work in 2010. Brian & Liz