After the serious power crisis occurring in Zanzibar earlier this year, Sweden, the UK and Norway, in dialogue with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, decided to assist in procurement of emergency and back-up generators to ease the power crisis in Zanzibar.
In the statement made on behalf of Sweden, the UK and Norway, during the opening 29th of July 2010, Chargé d’Affairés from the Royal Norwegian Embassy Mr. Tom Elvesæther noted that: “this programme will contribute to energy security and a safe and more reliable power supply system for Unguja by providing a secure back up”.
Norway, Sweden, through SIDA, and the UK through the DFID have jointly contributed with USD 11,7 million for the procurement, commissioning and installation of the generators. The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has funded the costs related to freight and insurance of the generators, and in addition the civil works at the Mtoni site. The future costs of operation and maintenance of the 25 Mega Watt back-up capacity will also be carried by the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
As concluding remarks Mr. Elvesæther, on behalf of the three development partners, congratulated Zanzibar: “We, the representatives from SIDA, DFID and the Norwegian Embassy would like to congratulate Zanzibar on this day. We hope that this back-up capacity will create comfort and security in the future, and help assist in poverty reduction efforts through sustaining economic growth and provision of social services in Zanzibar”.
For more information please see the Joint Press Release from Sweden, the UK and Norway (here), or contact Mr. Ørnulf Strøm: +255 782 777 010