Mwinyi unveils plan for 5,000 new homes

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi announced an ambitious plan to construct 5,000 housing units across Unguja and Pemba over the next five years.

Speaking during a thanksgiving meeting with CCM members in North Pemba, Dr Mwinyi stated that the initiative is designed to provide dignified living conditions for citizens currently residing in “unsafe and dilapidated” government-owned buildings.

The President noted that many of the Isles’ residential structures, built more than 60 years ago in the wake of the 1964 Revolution, have outlived their lifespan.

He specifically cited housing estates in Michenzani, Bambi, Micheweni and Kilimani as being no longer suitable for human habitation.

He noted that several government residential buildings constructed more than 60 years ago after the Zanzibar Revolution, including those in Michenzani, Bambi, Micheweni and Kilimani are no longer suitable for habitation.

He said redevelopment efforts had already started in Kikwajuni, Urban West Region.

The large-scale housing project will be implemented by the Zanzibar Housing Corporation (ZHC), which the government has strengthened to enhance its operational capacity and technical expertise.

Dr Mwinyi said the programme would improve housing safety and dignity while contributing to urban development and economic growth.

Dr Mwinyi also assured residents of South Pemba that the government remains committed to completing the Chake Chake– Mkoani road project despite delays.

Speaking on at another thanksgiving meeting with CCM leaders in South Pemba on Wednesday, Dr Mwinyi said delays in implementing the project were caused by environmental impact assessments, treeclearing procedures and compensation arrangements for affected residents.

However, he said discussions are at an advanced stage to ensure the project begins soon, describing it as vital for the economic growth of South Pemba and the country at large.

“We are continuing consultations to ensure the project proceeds smoothly. Citizens should remain patient,” he said.

The event, held at Ng’ombeni, also marked the inauguration of the CCM Ng’ombeni office building and the Hijaz Complex conference hall as part of efforts to strengthen party infrastructure.

Dr Mwinyi said CCM had successfully implemented its election manifesto in the region through major development projects, including the construction of multi-storey schools, expansion of hospitals and health centres, and improvement of port infrastructure.

He added that the ongoing construction of Pemba Airport will significantly boost the island’s economy by creating more opportunities in trade, investment and tourism, while improving transport services for residents and visitors.

During a separate meeting with CCM regional and district executive members, Dr Mwinyi called on party ethics committees at all levels to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

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He stressed the need for committees to consistently monitor members’ conduct, take disciplinary action early and avoid raising objections against candidates at the final stages of elections.

“Ethics committees must act on time to prevent unnecessary complaints and conflicts within the party,” he said, noting that delayed enforcement often creates perceptions of unfairness.

Dr Mwinyi also warned against the formation of factions and informal alliances ahead of CCM internal elections in 2027, urging leaders to remain united and focused on party principles.

He outlined four key priorities for strengthening the party: upholding discipline and ethics, ensuring active party structures, strengthening the party’s economic base and investing in large income-generating projects on party-owned assets.

The Zanzibar leader also emphasized the importance of reviving ideological training programmes to help members better understand their responsibilities in building and sustaining the party.

On national politics, Dr Mwinyi confirmed that discussions between CCM and ACT-Wazalendo on the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) were progressing well. He said the talks are being conducted wisely and in the best interest of both the nation and the party.

Regional CCM Chairman Yussuf Ali Juma called for improved welfare for party employees and urged the government to expedite repairs of the Mkoani– Chake Chake road, while CCM Zanzibar Deputy Secretary General Dr Mohamed Said Dimwa credited Zanzibar’s development progress to effective implementation of CCM policies.

He cited improvements in education, healthcare, clean water access, entrepreneurship, modern fishing and clove farming as evidence of the achievements.