Written by
Faridah N Kulumba
The semi-autonomous Island of Zanzibar to receive a $293 million fund for infrastructure project from the World Bank. This fund will enable Zanzibar residents to benefit from reliable and affordable electricity as well as modern water and transport infrastructure, The East Africa reported.
This was confirmed by the World Bank Executive Director for Africa Group, Dr Taufila Nyamadzabo, who assured Tanzania’s finance and planing Minister Jamal Kassim Ali that the Breton Woods Institution remains committed to finishing the existing projects, and exploring more opportunities for further cooperation with the Islanders.
The money is part of Tanzania’s decision to opt for donor funding for mega projects.
Beneficiaries
According to the World Bank report from Washington D.C June 3, 2021- showed that nearly 400,000 Zanzibaris will have access to improved electricity services, while the isles will also experience a reduction in annual unplanned system outages, and associated losses, with new International Development Association (IDA) financing which was approved at the beginning of this month by the World Bank.
Need for funds
The World Bank Country’s Director Mara Warwick, explained that Zanzibar made modest progress in reducing the population living below the poverty line since 2010 but, like everywhere else in the world, this achievement is being tested by Covid-19 pandemic
“With a median age of 17 years and only 57 percent of citizens accessing electricity currently, investment in energy are urgently needed to contribute to improve human capital, remove constraints to more and better jobs, and enhance productivity,” she said.
Why funding during Samia’s administration?
During President John Pombe Magufuli’s reign, donors had withheld funding in the allegations of human rights violations, and repressive government policies. The move is part of Tanzania’s decision to opt for donor finding for mega projects.
Tanzania’s government had been using its own internal resources to implement key development projects following a decision by foreign donors to withhold funds. The limited funding from government revenue made an uphill task to complete projects as well as cater for the country’s other needs.
Ms Mara Warwick, the World Bank Country’s Director for Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi last week met with the new President of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dodoma and pledged that the World Bank will continue to finance development projects in the country. And that its funding will still be focused on helping the poor and those living in a dangerous environment.
