Makame calls for road protection as Kwamchina–Jang’ombe road launched

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock, Mr Suleiman Massoud Makame has urged citizens to protect and respect road infrastructure to ensure its durability and long-term service to the public.

Minister Makame made the remarks recently after officially inaugurating the Kwamchina Mpendae– Jang’ombe Road during celebrations to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.

In his address, the minister condemned the behaviour of some road users, particularly motorcycle riders who park or ride on pedestrian walkways, warning that such practices endanger pedestrians and contribute significantly to road accidents.

He said misuse of pedestrian facilities often forces people to walk on the carriageway, thereby increasing the risk of accidents involving motor vehicles.

Earlier, Minister Makame called on citizens to continue cooperating with the government during the implementation of development projects, stressing that such initiatives are part of broader efforts to honour the ideals of the 1964 Revolution by strengthening infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.

He also urged the Ministry of Construction and Transport to ensure that citizens do not encroach on road reserves, noting that such encroachment results in high compensation costs when road expansion becomes necessary.

“We must not allow uncontrolled construction within road reserves. Even temporary structures end up costing the government heavily when compensation is required during expansion,” he said.

The minister emphasised that improved road infrastructure serves as a catalyst for development in other key sectors, including health, education and the economy.

“The completion of this project brings enormous benefits to the surrounding communities and the nation at large,” he stressed.

On her part, Deputy Minister for Construction and Transport, Ms Badria Attai Massoud, said the ministry is implementing various measures to protect road infrastructure, including amendments to laws governing road reserve protection.

She explained that the current law recognises a 15-metre road reserve from the tarmac, but plans are underway to revise it to between 25 and 30 metres to allow future road expansion without compensation challenges.

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“When expansion becomes necessary, we want to have sufficient space without incurring additional compensation costs,” she said.

Ms Massoud added that, in collaboration with municipal councils, the ministry will continue educating the public on the importance of protecting road reserves and refraining from activities such as business operations within those areas.

Providing technical details, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Construction and Transport, Engineer Ali Said Bakar, said the road was constructed under the World Bank funded Boosting Inclusive Growth in Zanzibar (BIG-Z) Project.

He said the 2.4-kilometre road, with a total width of 18 metres, was completed at a cost of 7.5bn/-.

The project includes dual carriage lanes measuring 3.25 metres on each side, 2.5-metre pedestrian walkways on both sides, a 1.5-metre bicycle lane, short-term parking bays, drainage systems, landscaped areas and street lighting.

Engineer Bakar added that the road was built to asphalt standards, with proper storm-water drainage, and includes four service ducts to accommodate public utilities such as water pipes and communication cables.

The road is also fitted with road markings and signage, including pedestrian crossings and special safety features for persons with disabilities.

On their part, the residents expressed satisfaction with the new road, describing it as part of the ongoing efforts by the President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, to deliver development to the people.

Mr Khalfan Mohamed Omar, one of the residents, said more than 98 per cent of the local population has benefited from the project and called on the government to complete feeder roads to further improve accessibility and the overall appearance of the neighbourhood.