More than 3,000 residents of Jibondo Island in Mafia District, Pwani Region, are set to gain access to electricity by the end of this month as an Sh8.4 billion government project enters its final stages.
The project, being implemented by the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), is 82 per cent complete and is expected to be commissioned by the end of September 2026.
The arrival of reliable electricity is expected to transform economic activities on the island, particularly fishing, fish processing and other marine-related businesses that have long been constrained by limited access to power.
For years, residents have struggled to preserve and add value to their fish and other marine products, limiting their ability to expand businesses and benefit fully from the island's economic potential.
Residents now expect electricity to create opportunities for small-scale enterprises, improve fish preservation and processing, generate employment and increase household incomes.
Jibondo Ward Councillor Hassan Mohamed said the absence of electricity had deprived residents of important economic opportunities.
“Before electricity, residents of Jibondo Ward and the island faced difficult conditions because they lacked some economic opportunities due to the absence of electricity. We commend Tanesco for bringing electricity to us. New opportunities are opening up and the local economy will continue to grow,” he said.
Mafia District Tanesco Manager, Engineer Seif Kijanga, said the project involves the construction of electricity distribution infrastructure, including high- and low-voltage lines, installation of transformers and the laying of an underwater cable connecting Juani and Jibondo islands.
He said the main outstanding activity was the laying of the underwater cable, after which residents would begin receiving electricity.
“The project is currently 82 per cent complete and is expected to benefit more than 3,000 residents on the island. It is worth Sh8.4 billion and is expected to be completed by the end of September 2026,” Engineer Kijanga said.
The project is expected to support the growth of businesses that depend on reliable power, while improving access to social services and other activities requiring electricity.
For Jibondo, the investment represents more than access to power. Residents say it could provide the foundation for greater value addition to marine products, new businesses and improved livelihoods on an island whose economy is closely linked to the sea.