Kizimkazi festival puts development in spotlight

ZANZIBAR: DEVELOPMENT projects aimed at improving tourism, infrastructure and livelihoods will take centre stage at this year’s Kizimkazi Festival here.

Four projects will have their foundation stones laid during the four-day event, while five completed projects are expected to be officially inaugurated.

The festival will begin on August 11 with special prayers, followed by the official opening ceremony on August 12, which is expected to be officiated by Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi.

The projects to be launched include a new restaurant at Salaam Cave in Kizimkazi Dimbani, intended to support tourism; a development office in Kibuteni and a vocational training college aimed at equipping young people with practical skills.

The foundation stone will also be laid for the upgrading of the Kichakachindi – Mtondooni Road that is expected to improve access to the area.

Kizimkazi Festival Committee Secretary, Hamid Abdulhamid Khamis, said the projects were part of wider efforts to promote economic development and improve services for residents.

He noted that the festival was also attracting growing interest from visitors within Tanzania and abroad.

“We are well prepared, and the people of Kizimkazi are ready to receive guests from within and outside the country,” Khamis said.

Five completed projects are expected to be inaugurated during the festival’s closing ceremony on August 14, which is due to be officiated by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

They include a clean water project serving Kizimkazi residents, a dormitory at Hasnuu Makame Secondary School, a children’s playground and residential apartments developed by Bopar Enterprises.

A CCM branch office in Kibuteni is also among the projects due to be inaugurated.

Khamis noted that the festival is expected to benefit local businesses, including hotels, restaurants and transport operators, as visitors arrive for the event.

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Kizimkazi has increasingly sought to promote itself as a cultural and tourism destination, with the festival providing a platform to showcase local traditions while attracting investment and supporting community development.

The event will run until August 14.