CCM pledges commission to review Zanzibar land
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR CCM presidential candidate, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has pledged to form a Special Commission to conduct a comprehensive review of compensation payments made to residents, who vacated their land for development projects in Fumba, Nyamanzi, Dimani and Bweleo.
Dr Mwinyi said the commission will thoroughly verify all compensation records to ensure that every eligible person receives their rightful payment in accordance to the law.
He was speaking during a campaign rally at Dimani Sports grounds in the Unguja West District. The pledge came after several residents voiced dissatisfaction with the compensation they received for vacating their land to pave the way for investment and development projects, including the IIT Madras College, Afcon football stadium and Fumba Port.
Dr Mwinyi said the government’s goal is not to impoverish citizens but to uplift their lives by ensuring fair compensation for all.
“I want to assure you that everyone will receive what they rightfully deserve. Our objective is to reduce poverty, not to increase it,” he said.
He, however, urged residents to cooperate with the government in curbing fraudulent acts, such as people hastily constructing buildings or planting trees to claim compensation conduct. He said such actions are illegal and unacceptable.
“We must stop such deceitful acts. Some people build or plant trees overnight just to demand compensation, which delays projects and hurts genuine landowners,” he cautioned.
He promised to ensure regional and district commissioners, along with shehas are properly educating citizens before any development project begins and that photographic records of sites are taken to establish the true status of the land, a move aimed at preventing future disputes.
Dr Mwinyi further promised to complete the fish market project in Dimani, which was initiated by residents, so that they can engage more effectively in commercial activities.
Highlighting the progress achieved under his first term, he said the Eighth Phase Government has delivered significant improvements across key sectors such as health, education, roads, water supply and other infrastructure.
He asked voters to give him another term in the upcoming October 29 General Election to continue advancing Zanzibar’s development.
“We are building modern towns and I will personally ensure that all those affected by development projects are fairly compensated,” he affirmed.
Speaking at the same event, CCM Zanzibar Deputy Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Said Dimwa said the party made no mistake in nominating Dr Mwinyi for a second term, describing him as a leader of integrity who fulfils his promises and listens to citizens through initiatives like the Sema na Rais platform.
“CCM is a listening party and Dr Mwinyi is a leader who listens, he never shies away from his people,” Dimwa said.
He also asked citizens to vote for Union presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan and all CCM parliamentary and council candidates.
Some residents, including Hussein Kimti, CCM Chairperson for Dimani District, Abdalla Idrissa Majura from Fumba and Ali Mwinjuma Kirobo from Bweleo expressed their gratitude to Dr Mwinyi for the progress achieved so far but appealed for public education on investment projects to prevent conflicts and ensure transparency.
They also urged the government to reassess compensation claims and address illegal fishing activities damaging the Fumba coastline and fish breeding zones.
