Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has said the government will soon slash the cost of connecting electricity to households as part of wider reforms to expand access and ensure a reliable power supply across the islands.
Speaking at the launch of an electricity system upgrade project held at Verde Hotel grounds in Mtoni, Urban West Region,Dr. Mwinyi said the move is key to accelerating economic growth, improving services for citizens, and creating a stronger investment climate.
“The launch of this project is proof of our government’s determination to deliver on its promises, reduce power shortages, cut outages, and lower operating costs,” Dr. Mwinyi said.
He explained that the government is preparing to reduce household connection fees from the current Sh200,000 to Sh100,000, making electricity more affordable for ordinary families.
At the same time, he underscored plans to continue investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, while expanding transmission infrastructure and introducing new distribution plants.
According to him, the measures are designed to bring power to at least 70,000 more residents.
The President also outlined other initiatives, including connecting smaller islands such as Njau and Kokota to electricity, and finalising the undersea power cable project that will boost energy supply to Pemba Island.
He applauded the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals, together with NOVASIS International, for their effective supervision and timely delivery of the project, which he said reflects the importance of strategic partnerships in the energy sector.
He further called on citizens and stakeholders to protect the infrastructure so that it continues to bring the intended benefits.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Energy, and Minerals, Joseph Kilangi, said the $8.4 million project has significantly improved Zanzibar’s energy capacity, raising the amount of electricity supplied from mainland Tanzania to 132 kilovolts from the previous 114 kilovolts.
