2VP orders completion of Zanzibar Port projects by January

ZANZIBAR: Zanzibar’s Second Vice-President, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has directed contractors building the Isles’ new passenger and cargo ports to ensure all projects are completed before January 2026. He issued the directive during an inspection tour of three major infrastructure projects: the Maruhubi (Mpigaduri) Passenger and Cargo Port, the Maruhubi Inland Container Depot (ICD) and the Mangapwani Port development.

Mr Abdulla said the Maruhubi facility must be delivered in full compliance with modern technological standards, stressing the need for digital systems at cargo inspection and clearance points to eliminate manual handling, enhance transparency and ensure integrity in service delivery. He further urged the Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) to introduce efficient digital payment systems, to ease customer experience and curb government revenue loss.

Speaking on the ongoing construction of the Maruhubi ICD, Mr Abdulla noted that significant progress has been made despite several challenges, including heavy rains that slowed down works, “The ICD will serve as a key facility for storing incoming containers and easing congestion in Stone Town.”

At Mangapwani Port, he said the project will unlock new economic opportunities for Zanzibar. He instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to fast-track compensation procedures for affected residents so the contractor can continue work without delays.

The 2Vice-President also visited the equipment warehouse of Zanzibar Marine Company, which is responsible for installing oil and gas infrastructure at Mangapwani.

The visit followed confirmation from the main contractor that all materials for the oil and gas offloading terminal had arrived and were being stored safely.

The Infrastructure and Transport Minister Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed said Zanzibar’s trade volume is growing rapidly, increasing demand for larger, more efficient port facilities.

He noted that the ongoing port projects will boost government revenue, expand employment opportunities for youths, and attract further investment into the islands.

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ZPC Director General, Mr Akif Ali Khamis, said Phase One “A” of the Maruhubi Passenger and Cargo Port, expected to be completed by January 2026, will accommodate more than five million passengers annually.

“The port will also provide additional docking space for passenger and cargo vessels, easing pressure on Malindi Port,” he said.

Mr Khamis said the new port is being built to international standards and includes a digital cargo scanning and weighing area, storage warehouses, and commercial spaces for businesses operating within the facility.

On the ICD progress, he said the surge in cargo entering Zanzibar has accelerated construction. Once completed, the facility will store up to 2,000 containers at a time and offer a One Stop Centre to streamline customs clearance and cargo release.

The Zanzibar Ferry Development Company (ZF DEVCO) Managing Director, Engineer Juma Abubakar on implementing the project, assured the government that his company will complete and hand over the Maruhubi Port by January 2026, adding that the project is being implemented using advanced engineering expertise in line with contractual standards.

During the tour, the Second Vice-President inspected three key sites: the Maruhubi Passenger and Cargo Port, the Maruhubi Inland Container Depot and the Mangapwani Port project.