Skagerrak in the Pemba Channel. Photo: Ørnulf StrømThe Sub Sea Cable to Pemba
22/12/2009 //
The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the Government of the Kingdom of Norway signed an agreement in August 2008 where Norway agreed to provide funds for the Tanga – Pemba Sub Sea Cable Project. Norway have agreed to contribute 300 million NOK and Zanzibar and Tanzania will allocate the outstanding funds to cover the total project costs, estimated to amount to NOK 400 million – approximately Tz 94 billion Shilling. The total costs will cover the production and laying of the cable, as well as construction of overhead lines and substations.
The sub sea cable recently reached the shores of Pemba, finalizing the installation across the Pemba Channel by Nexans and their ship C/S Nexans Skagerrak, a ship specially designed to lay complex underwater cables.
President Karume headed a large delegation from Zanzibar, whom together with representatives from Nexans and the Norwegian Ambassador visited the ship on Friday 5th of December just after its arrival from Norway.
The laying process progressed well and as expected the submarine cable reached Pemba on 22nd December. Thereafter testing, connections and other works will be done and it is anticipated that the cable will transmit power and be in full operation early 2010.
The cable will then replace the 3 old diesel generators currently providing the island with electricity through a connection to the mainland offering much higher capacity and reliability than at present. This effort will contribute to the economic development and improved social welfare for population on Pemba in line with Zanzibar Vision 2020 as well as the Zanzibar Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty. The project aims to provide electricity to Pemba meeting the demand for the 20-25 years to come.