Mwinyi warns against encroachment on road reserves

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has issued a stern warning against encroaching on road reserves, emphasising that these areas are vital for the installation of essential social services, including water, electricity and high-speed internet infrastructure.

Addressing Wete District residents after inaugurating the newly completed 22.2-kilometre Chake–Wete (Kongwe) Road, Dr Mwinyi explained that modern development requires utilities to be laid underground.

He explained that modern infrastructure development requires utilities to be installed underground rather than overhead, making road reserves increasingly important.

“During construction, some water pipes along the road were damaged and must be restored. Going forward, electricity and internet services will be laid underground and the road reserve is the designated area for this,” the President said.

Dr Mwinyi noted that improved road infrastructure would unlock Pemba’s economic potential, enhance transport efficiency and significantly increase household incomes.

“No country can develop without reliable roads, ports and airports. That is why we are implementing our promises in action to ensure real economic growth,” he said.

On compensation, the President assured residents that no one would be treated unfairly, adding that a special government committee had been formed to review outstanding compensation claims.

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“I have received reports that some residents are yet to receive compensation. I want to assure them that everyone will get their rightful dues. I ask for patience as the process continues,” he said.

Zanzibar’s Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, said the road symbolised economic transformation in Pemba by easing mobility and improving livelihoods.

He said the project was among the visible achievements of 62 years of the Zanzibar Revolution, implemented under the Eighth Phase Government led by Dr Mwinyi.

Dr Khalid revealed that the President had overseen the construction of more than 184 kilometres of roads and signed three additional road contracts across the islands.

“The first contract covers 163 kilometres, with 84 kilometres in Pemba. The second covers 277.7 kilometres, including 97 kilometres in Pemba, while the third will see 65 kilometres built, 50 of them in Pemba,” he said.

Presenting a technical report, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engineer Ali Said Bakar, said the road, measuring 5.5 metres wide on each side, cost 26.6bn/-.

He said construction contracts were signed on September 27, 2021 and the project was completed in December 2025, enabling residents to benefit from improved transport and expanded economic activities.

North Pemba Regional Commissioner Ms Mgeni Khatib Yahya pledged continued cooperation with residents to support development initiatives under President Mwinyi’s leadership.