Govt opens clove buying centre

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’S Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Mr Massoud Ali Mohamed, has urged citizens to continue valuing the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution, describing it as the foundation of the country’s current development.

The minister made the remarks after officiating at the opening of a modern clove buying centre at Kiwani, Mkoani District, Pemba, during celebrations marking 62 years of the Revolution.

He said the revolution was not merely a historical event but a catalyst for development across all sectors, citing improvements in health services, education, access to clean water, roads and other infrastructure.

Mr Massoud encouraged farmers to sell their cloves at the Kiwani centre, warning against smuggling and noting that farmers’ concerns including the demand for accurate weighing systems have now been addressed.

He also commended the Zanzibar State Trading Corporation (ZSTC) for reforms in clove purchasing, which he said have significantly reduced complaints from farmers.

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ZSTC Managing Director, Mr Soud Said Ali, said the centre reflects the eighth-phase government’s commitment to strengthening the clove sector in line with the ideals of the 1964 Revolution.

He said the project aims to improve efficiency, transparency, fairness and quality in clove marketing and export systems. Meanwhile, Trade and Industrial Development Permanent Secretary, Dr Habiba Hassan Omar, announced that similar centres will be constructed in Kengeja and Ngwachani.

Mkoani District Commissioner (DC), Ms Miza Hassan Faki, called on farmers to fully support ZSTC by selling their cloves through official buying centres.

The project, which began in the 2023/2024 financial year, cost 406.4m/- inclusive of VAT. It was implemented by Kin Investment Ltd under the supervision of the Zanzibar Buildings Agency (ZBA).