Zanzibar launches 382bn/- water expansion plan for North Unguja

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has signed a 145 million US dollars (equivalent to 382bn/- ) contract with Oman’s National Energy Centre (NEC) to implement the second phase of a major water infrastructure project aimed at improving access to reliable and safe water in North Unguja.

The three-year project will involve drilling 59 boreholes, constructing water storage tanks and expanding distribution pipelines to improve water supplies in targeted villages and Shehias.

Speaking during the contract-signing ceremony, Acting Minister for Water, Energy and Minerals Mr Sharif Ali Sharif urged ministry officials to closely supervise implementation to ensure quality work, timely completion and achievement of the government’s objectives.

He stressed the need to monitor the quality of construction materials, saying durable materials would help ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for residents.

“President Hussein Ali Mwinyi is committed to addressing water shortages across Zanzibar and ensuring that residents in all areas had access to clean and safe water,” Mr Sharif said.

He urged officials overseeing the project to adopt effective implementation strategies and maintain close supervision to support the government’s goal of providing water services around the clock.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Energy and Minerals, Mr Joseph Kilangi, said the project was initially scheduled for completion within three years, but the government intended to shorten the implementation period to between two and two-and-a-half years.

He said the project would expand water production and distribution capacity, enabling more communities in North Unguja to benefit from improved access to water.

Mr Kilangi said the project would also incorporate modern Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) technology to monitor water production and distribution systems.

“The technology is expected to help operators identify faults affecting boreholes, electrical systems and pipelines, making it easier to detect problems and carry out maintenance,” he said.

He called on residents to cooperate with project implementers by allowing pipelines to pass through their properties where necessary and protecting the infrastructure after installation.

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NEC representative, Mr Abdallah Abadir welcomed the government’s decision to award the company the second phase of the project, describing it as a demonstration of confidence built through its work during the first phase.

“The continued partnership provided an opportunity to build on previous achievements and expand efforts to improve water services for Zanzibar residents,” he said.

Mr Abadir called for cooperation among stakeholders to ensure the project met the required standards, was completed on schedule and delivered its intended benefits.

The investment is expected to strengthen water infrastructure in North Unguja through the expansion of boreholes, storage facilities and distribution networks, improving the availability and reliability of water supplies in targeted communities.