Islands set for solar power connection

Mkuranga. The government plans to connect all islands to solar power in a bid to help fishing communities.

This was said by deputy minister of Energy Subira Mgalu during the launch of a Sh232 million solar power project in the Kwale Island, Mkuranga District, Coast Region.

The project is funded by a nongovernmental organisation, Tandem Trust, in collaboration with Rural Energy Agency (REA).

She said solar power was the only solution to addressing power shortages in islands, whose residents depended on fishing to earn a living.

“I come from a fishing family, so fishing can contribute to government revenue and improve people’s livelihood,” she said.

Ms Mgalu also acknowledged the presence of many economic activities on isles, hence there was a need to have reliable power supply.

For his part, deputy minister of Fisheries and Livestock Abdallah Ulega said the solar power project would have an impact on people’s economic activities and attract more investors.

“Your fish will not go bad anymore, supply will increase and generate more profit,” he noted.

He urged villagers to start connecting their houses to solar power to increase a network of villages with access to power.

Tandem trust project Manager Christian Shembilu said the project aims at helping fishing communities.

It is accomplished by 100 per cent and installed machines have the capacity to produce up to 5.4MW.