In this period of economic and health crisis, linked to covid-19, Jumeme, a mini-network operator in Tanzania, co-financed by the European Commission, is launching a "Covid-19 aid programme" to support the Tanzanian government. The programme will provide free electricity for three months to 10 health care centres on the islands of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. The electricity will come from the company's local mini-hybrid solar grids.
Jumeme, a mini-grid operator in Tanzania, co-financed by the European Commission, is supporting the Tanzanian government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. It has just launched the “Covid-19 aid programme” in the islands of Lake Victoria. The programme aims to provide free electricity for three months to 10 health care facilities in the region. This will enable patients to receive timely first aid and treatment for common infections before being referred to larger and better equipped facilities if necessary. In addition, access to electricity by health-care facilities will ensure smooth operations and provide much-needed financial resources to better control Covid-19. According to officials at these local health care facilities, the Jumeme initiative is timely, as the centres are particularly vulnerable. They receive less funding than large hospitals.
Electric power will come from Jumeme’s local mini-hybrid solar arrays. The company already has 12 installations in operation in the Lake Victoria region and is currently finalizing the installation of another 11 mini-hybrid solar arrays on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in northwest Tanzania. Once completed, the 11 new grids are expected to connect 10 more health centres. Jumeme plans to extend its “aid programme” to the Lake Tanganyika region to support its health centres.
Inès Magoum
