Further to our email of 17 December 2009, we would like to update you on the Zanzibar power situation.
Since 10 December, there has been no mainline power on the island and unfortunately, per a recent Zanzibar Government announcement, we are now not expecting it to be restored until 22 February.
However, we would like to assure you that guests at Ras Nungwi are not being affected by the power cut and this has been the case since we last emailed you on this matter, except for 3 hours downtime for essential maintenance on one occasion. We have two generators and are providing 24/7 continuous power, which we intend to continue with, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Showing posts with label Zanzibar Electricity update. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zanzibar Electricity update. Show all posts
Thursday, 14 January 2010
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Electricity Update
A month-long power blackout in Tanzania's semi-autonomous Zanzibar is threatening the idyllic Indian Ocean island's tourist industry, officials said Tuesday.
The archipelago's main island, Unguja, has been without power since December 10 due to a breakdown affecting the undersea cable providing electricity from the mainland.
Energy Minister Yussuf Himid said the submarine cable was dilapidated and needs to be replaced as it can no longer sustain increasing energy demand.
Businesses and homes are running on generators and tourism, which accounts for 20 percent of the archipelago's earnings, has suffered.
"Already we have a drop in revenue collection and trade in Zanzibar has decreased due lack of electricity," Zanzibar President Amani Karume said as he opened a new shopping mall. He did not give figures.
"It is now the tourism season... There have been a lot of bookings in hotels since November last year, but tourists cannot stay longer because of lack of electricity," Zanzibar Association for Tourist Investors chairman Simai Mohamed told reporters.
"Most hotels have standby generators which cannot operate 24 hours. And also running generators for hours is quite expensive," he added.
Tourism Minister Samia Suluhu Hassan said: "It is obvious that tourists are not happy walking on streets in the night without lights on. Lack of power also discourages investors."
Officials said two water bottling firms have shut down because of the cuts and the island has been hit by a water shortage.
Zanzibar, whose other islands are Pemba and Mafia, has suffered prolonged blackouts in the past, including a four-week blackout in 2008.
The archipelago's main island, Unguja, has been without power since December 10 due to a breakdown affecting the undersea cable providing electricity from the mainland.
Energy Minister Yussuf Himid said the submarine cable was dilapidated and needs to be replaced as it can no longer sustain increasing energy demand.
Businesses and homes are running on generators and tourism, which accounts for 20 percent of the archipelago's earnings, has suffered.
"Already we have a drop in revenue collection and trade in Zanzibar has decreased due lack of electricity," Zanzibar President Amani Karume said as he opened a new shopping mall. He did not give figures.
"It is now the tourism season... There have been a lot of bookings in hotels since November last year, but tourists cannot stay longer because of lack of electricity," Zanzibar Association for Tourist Investors chairman Simai Mohamed told reporters.
"Most hotels have standby generators which cannot operate 24 hours. And also running generators for hours is quite expensive," he added.
Tourism Minister Samia Suluhu Hassan said: "It is obvious that tourists are not happy walking on streets in the night without lights on. Lack of power also discourages investors."
Officials said two water bottling firms have shut down because of the cuts and the island has been hit by a water shortage.
Zanzibar, whose other islands are Pemba and Mafia, has suffered prolonged blackouts in the past, including a four-week blackout in 2008.
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