Tanzania rolls out solar power to 120 islands
Tanzania has launched a solar energy project to bring power to 120 islands across the country, as reported by APA News on February 22nd. The project aims to install 20,000 solar power systems in eight regions located around major lakes and along the Indian Ocean coast.
The total cost is estimated at 8 billion Tanzanian shillings, or about 3.2 million U.S. dollars. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered the government to cover up to 75% of connection costs to make electricity affordable for people living in remote areas. Many island communities have long struggled with limited or no access to power.
Deputy Minister for Energy, Salome Makamba, officially launched the project on Bezi Island in Ilemela District, Mwanza Region. The programme is being carried out by the Rural Energy Agency.
Makamba said island and delta areas face special challenges because they are far from the national grid. Transporting electricity equipment across water is costly and difficult, which has delayed development in these communities.
The project aims to overcome those barriers by using solar power rather than extending the national grid. Solar energy is seen as a practical solution for isolated areas where building traditional infrastructure is expensive.
Regions set to benefit include Geita, Kagera and Mara around Lake Victoria; Rukwa near Lake Rukwa; and Lindi, Mtwara and Coast Region along the Indian Ocean.
Officials say the new power supply will support economic activities in these areas. Fishermen will be able to store and process fish before selling them, which could help them earn more income. The solar power project is also expected to support fish farming, seaweed production and tourism along the coast.
According to the Rural Energy Agency, the installation of the solar systems will take place over two years. The government says the programme is part of wider efforts to expand access to clean energy and improve living standards in rural and island communities across Tanzania.
APA News, Maghrebi
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