MPs laud Zanzibar’s housing, urban development push

ZANZIBAR: THE House of Representatives Committee on Infrastructure, Land and ICT has commended the Ministry of Lands and Human Settlements Development for its ongoing efforts to improve housing conditions for residents in both Unguja and Pemba.

Speaking during a session to review the budget implementation report for the period between July and December of the 2025/2026 financial year, the Committee Chairperson, Mr Mihayo Juma N’hunga, said the ministry’s initiatives are enhancing access to decent housing and strengthening social infrastructure.

He stressed the need for continued efforts to transform the outlook of Zanzibar Town through investment in modern, well-planned housing schemes.

“There is a need for the ministry to improve the urban landscape of Zanzibar by investing in planned housing that allows citizens to live in safer and more organised environments,” he said.

Mr N’hunga noted that improved housing is essential not only for social wellbeing but also for enhancing the overall image of Zanzibar as an emerging economic hub.

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Responding, the Minister for Lands and Human Settlements Development, Ms Rahma Kassim Ali, said the government is implementing an urban planning and land management project funded through the national budget.

She explained that the project includes the preparation of detailed urban zoning plans and the identification of approximately 150,000 land parcels to improve land use planning and management.

According to the minister, the initiative is aimed at addressing the challenges of unplanned settlements while promoting sustainable urban growth across the islands.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the Zanzibar Housing Corporation (ZHC), Mr Sultani Said Suleiman, said the corporation plans to redevelop the Michenzani housing estate and rehabilitate houses in Stone Town to improve living conditions for residents.