The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Tanzania, is located in Zanzibar. On the 2nd October 2021, IMS’ laboratories at Mizingani Street, Zanzibar had an unfortunate fire accident in which the building and all laboratory equipment and chemicals were completely destroyed.
In total, the fire destroyed nine rooms (including three laboratories). This was a major setback to our Institute’s core activities of teaching, research and public services. Immediate measures taken were to construct alternative laboratory building and the purchase of basic laboratory equipment and chemicals, to make sure that classes and practical sessions continued with minimum interruption.
The major part of restructuring was achieved through funds from the Ministry of Education Science and Technology, Tanzania (Equipment and chemicals) and the University of Dar es Salaam (Construction of the new alternative building) – as depicted in the photos.
However, we still lacked some furniture and additional instruments for our labs to function properly. As such, IMS contacted colleagues, friends and development partners for additional assistance. We are pleased to report that Dr Shubha Sathyendranath (Plymouth Marine Laboratory, UK), provided us with a grant totalling Sterling Pounds 2,000, that enabled us to furnish our Biological and Chemical Laboratories with working benches (as seen in the photos).
On behalf of the University of Dar es Salaam, and that of the Institute of Marine Sciences, and on my own behalf, I would like to thank Shubha for such a timely and generous assistance, which has enabled our students to work comfortably in the labs.
News item contributed by Margareth Kyewalyanga
