The mayor said the municipality, which waits for upgrading to a city in the near future face serious problem in power cuts, which if not urgently and sufficiently addressed, production activities would dwindle and ultimately affect the regional economy.

 

Mr Mboya said many people and institutions are incurring huge costs on operating fuel-powered generators to sustain their activities, raising great concern on hospitals like Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC), Mawenzi Regional Referral Hospital, St Joseph District Designated Hospital, where patients are the most affected by the power blackouts.

 

The mayor gave the advice here when launching a water well project at Shirimatunda Dispensary that is being implemented by a non-governmental organization - Umoja Project from Belgium.

 

He said it was necessary that alternative source of power is attained so that activities are implemented without any obstruction. He noted that in the current era of science and technology it was a shame that parts of the municipality went without power for the better part of a day, adding that actions should be taken soon to remedy the situation.

 

He implored all stakeholders to join forces instead of leaving it to the government alone.

 

The mayor and Lunguo B Ward Councilor on Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) pointed out that it was possible for stakeholders to produce alternative electricity from solar and wind to supplement Tanzania Electricity Supply Company's (Tanesco).

 

The Umoja Project has used 88m/- to construct the well that will be using solar power to operate on daily basis in pumping water to the dispensary as well as to a centre that takes care of children with mental challenges.

 

Director of the Umoja Project, Ms Henny Schuurmans said the project that was constructed for three years since it was formulated in 2013 would see the targeted people with water security at low charges.

 

The well is 90 metres deep, with 20,000 litre capacity tanks. She said the project produces 3,900 litres of water per hour.

 

Moshi Municipal Council Executive Director, Mr Michael Mwandezi was on all fours with the mayor, saying one of the strategies they have at the council is to bring together institutions in Moshi Urban District and forge ways to produce solar power.

 

He said it would greatly help to reduce environmental degradation and get rid of use of firewood in institutions such as schools and colleges.

Source : allafrica.com