Zanzibar@62: How roads power revolutionary progress

ZANZIBAR: “BEFORE, reaching town felt like a struggle,” says Ali Bakari Mohamed, a commuter from the outskirts of Zanzibar Town.

“Now the road is smooth, traffic flows and I arrive at work on time. This is real development.”

As Zanzibar celebrates 62 years since the 1964 Revolution, such voices are becoming increasingly common, both in urban centres and rural communities.

From upgraded village roads to the islands’ first-ever flyover, improved infrastructure is reshaping how people move, trade, access services and experience daily life. For many Zanzibaris, roads are no longer just strips of tarmac.

They are pathways to opportunity. Roads as the backbone of development.

Roads are widely regarded as the backbone of any nation’s economy connecting people to schools, hospitals, markets and workplaces, while linking rural production to urban consumption.

In Zanzibar, sustained investment in both urban and rural roads have accelerated social and economic transformation.

Improved road networks have eased access to education and healthcare, opened markets for farmers, boosted tourism and strengthened food security.

They have also created jobs and stimulated private investment, particularly in fast-growing urban areas. Throughout Zanzibar’s 62-year revolutionary journey, infrastructure development has remained central to social change.

What began in 1964 as a struggle for dignity, equality and self-determination is today expressed through tangible investments that directly improve people’s lives.

The government’s decision to construct flyovers marks a historic shift—signalling Zanzibar’s transition from basic infrastructure to modern urban transport systems designed for a growing population and expanding economy.

Experts say the move reflects careful technical assessment of traffic congestion, travel delays and rising economic costs in urban centres.

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With population growth, expanding commerce and rising transport demands, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has adopted a long-term strategy focused on high-impact infrastructure.

Economically, flyovers reduce travel time, cut transport costs and improve efficiency across supply chains.

This boosts competitiveness, attracts investment and strengthens links between rural producers and urban markets—benefiting farmers, traders and small entrepreneurs alike.

Socially, improved road systems enhance safety, reduce accidents and make it easier for citizens to access essential services such as hospitals, schools and government offices.

Environmentally , smoother traffic flow helps reduce emissions caused by prolonged congestion, aligning with Zanzibar’s goals for sustainable development and greener cities.

Zanzibar’s first flyover, officially named after President “Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, No.1!” stands as a symbol of both technical progress and visionary leadership.

Its completion represents a historic milestone—proof of the government’s determination to build a modern, connected and resilient Zanzibar.

More than concrete and steel, the flyover reflects a continuing revolutionary legacy being written through action.

Opening the flyover during the 62nd Revolution celebrations, President Mwinyi said Zanzibar has continued to record major development achievements since the Revolution.

“For the first time since the Revolution, Zanzibar has a flyover. This is clear evidence of our commitment to building modern infrastructure that meets present and future needs,” he said.

The President noted that the project aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance road safety and ease the movement of people and goods.

“Our election slogan was Leadership That Leaves a Mark. Today, we have implemented that vision in practice these are the marks we speak of,” he said

. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering large-scale development projects that improve citizens’ welfare and strengthen the economy.

President Mwinyi urged citizens to protect and properly use public infrastructure so it can serve both present and future generations.

He also called on residents to cooperate by vacating areas required for development projects, assuring fair compensation for affected individuals.

“Development is for everyone. The government will compensate people fairly we will not wrong anyone,” he said, while cautioning against building on road reserves needed for utilities such as water, electricity, communications and pedestrian walkways.

The President commended the Ministry of Construction and Transport for its extensive road projects across Unguja and Pemba, as well as progress in port development at Mangapwani, Mpigaduri, Shumba Mjini and the planned Wete Port.

He also praised CCECC, the contractor responsible for the flyover, for delivering quality work on time.

According to the Permanent Secretary, Engineer Ali Said Bakar, the Mwanakwerekwe Flyover forms part of 100.9 kilometres of urban roads, including two flyovers, one completed and another under construction at Amani.

Construction began on December 1, 2023 and was completed on December 31, 2025, at a cost of 23.7bn/-.

The structure includes deep foundation pillars sunk up to 32 metres, heavy-load beams, dual carriageways, pedestrian walkways, drainage systems and lighting— capable of carrying loads of up to 60/70 tonnes.

Roads as a shared future As Zanzibar commemorates 62 years of the Revolution founded by Mzee Abeid Amani Karume, the expansion of modern roads stands as proof that revolutionary ideals continue to evolve.

From rural villages to urban flyovers, infrastructure is not just shaping cities it is connecting people, opportunities and generations, ensuring that development reaches every corner of the islands.

For citizens like Ali Bakari, the message is simple: when roads improve, life moves forward.