This project is an initiative of the communities of Mbuyu Mabundi and Mbuyu Popo within the Municipality of Matemwe, Zanzibar, Tanzania, in partnership with 'solarafrica.network'.

The project was introduced to the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam. Thanks to a generous contribution from their 'Small Scale Projects Grant' the concept is now a reality.

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'Kituo cha Jua' addresses two main problems
in the community:

Fuelwood Shortage. Due to unmanaged timber harvesting through the last decades, erosion of the soil does not allow reproduction and growth of senile vegetation which otherwise could be sensibly managed for fuelwood harvesting. Adjacent to this problem is a fast growing population with a growing energy demand, and industrial development (tourism sector) which contributes to the accelerated decay of the coastal environment.

Poor water supply. For their water consumption these communities are dependent on the main water pipe-line that supplies Matemwe Municipality. Unfortunately the supply from this pipe-line is unreliable, and large periods of the year are usually spend depending on the over-tagged wells from the main village. Poor water supply comes closely linked to poor water quality and water-borne diseases, which are the principal cause of child mortality.

Sanitation of water is unrealistic when a source of energy for pasteurisation is scarce or unaffordable.

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The concepts of this initiative are:

•	Provision a centre point for meeting, work, training and storage.
•	Provision alternative technologies to compensate fuelwood shortage (solar cookers, ‘rocket’ stove, insulation baskets).
•	Provision of means for harvesting rain water (installation roof and 20,000l cistern).
•	Dedicate an education/training programme to generate awareness and encourage its reproduction.

The education/training programme will address:

•	Use of alternative technologies for energy needs.
•	Importance of water sanitation and how solar energy makes it an efficient and affordable exercise.
•	Improved affordable nutritional diets.
•	How to create new harvesting devices.
•	Generation of co-operative development.

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Impression of the 'Kituo cha Jua' development

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Download a '.pdf' file for more detailed information about the Solar Station.