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Power returns to Zanzibar |
After months of darkness, electricity has returned to the main island of Zanzibar (Unguja). Power was lost when a fire at the transform station where undersea cables make land damaged the cables. The loss of power, especially over the peak holiday season, caused a strain for the resort operators and hotels who had to depend on their own back-up generators for electricity. This meant they were running several more hours a day than intended and the island's high price of diesel fuel, combined with a brief shortage means that profits will be down for the period.
Last week, final repairs were made and power has been restored. The government also has plans to lay new cables by 2012. There is also a plan for a local electric generation plant to serve as a back-up during peak demand and should there be a problem with the underground cables.
Ironically, the island was one of the first places in Africa to enjoy electricity and the House of Wonders received its name because it was the first on the island to be lit with electricity. |
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Madagascar drops visa fees |
Following a dramatic drop in tourist arrivals in Madagascar after two months of violent demonstrations rocked this popular African island, the government has taken the first step in efforts or help revive this vital industry. Visa fees will be free of charge up to a maximum stay of one month but only until December 31 2009.
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Sauti za Busara a success |
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Zanzibar’s main culture and music festival drew record crowds once again, and musicians and artists from across eastern Africa and the rest of the continent attended the extravagant week. Festival organizers have since thanked all participants and the media for their support in promoting the annual event and coming from far away to show their crafts and perform their tunes. Over 500 visitors also participated in the survey undertaken to gauge satisfaction, and the response was superbly positive. While some 78 percent of the festival visitors came from Zanzibar and the Tanzanian mainland, 5 percent came from the rest of Africa and 17 percent came from overseas, a remarkable achievement and proof that the festival is now a truly permanent fixture in the annual tourism calendar of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole.
The 7th edition of Sauti za Busara will take place February 11-16, 2010, and all those interested in participating or visiting should make early arrangements for their flights and hotel bookings to avoid disappointment when booking too late. Applications for active participation are due on July 31, 2009 to be assured of a place for 2010.
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