Digital tools boost Zanzibar’s disaster prep

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has launched a digital disaster reporting system, reviewed key emergency policies and stepped-up monitoring of major development projects during the first 100 days of the government’s new term.

The progress was highlighted by Minister of State in the Office of the Second VicePresident, Mr Hamza Hassan Juma, during a press briefing organised by Maelezo Zanzibar.

The office is focusing on disaster preparedness, digitalisation of government operations and closer coordination with the Union government.

“One of the key initiatives is the establishment of the Zanzibar Disaster Management Information System (DMIS), a digital platform that allows citizens to report disasters and receive emergency alerts through a web-based system and mobile application,” he said.

The system is expected to improve communication during emergencies, help detect potential disasters and issue early warnings. In addition to introducing the digital system, the government has taken steps to address recurring flooding in the Urban West Region.

An assessment by the Disaster Management Commission identified 30 flood-prone areas requiring urgent intervention.

The report has been submitted to the Ministry of Works and Transport for action. Authorities are also planning a long-term solution through the proposed Zanzibar Integrated Storm Water Master Plan, aimed at improving drainage and exploring alternative uses of rainwater, including for agriculture.

The government has also revised key disaster management frameworks, including the 2011 Disaster Management Policy and the 2012 National Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, to address challenges such as climate change, urban growth, digital technologies and modern early warning systems.

The updated policies focus on prevention and preparedness rather than responding only after disasters occur.

As part of these efforts, public awareness campaigns and training programmes have reached over 550 citizens, including fishermen, motorcycle taxi riders, students, women, youth and people with disabilities.

Another 160 citizens in Unguja and Pemba, along with 140 government and private sector officials, received training on disaster insurance and financing.

At the community level, 40 municipal officials and 120 residents from 12 Shehias in Unguja were trained to strengthen local disaster response.

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Additionally, 12 officials from Urban District visited Dar es Salaam to learn about regional emergency response coordination.

The commission has coordinated responses to several incidents, including clearing a fallen baobab tree that damaged three houses in Kikwajuni Juu and providing assistance to residents affected by fires and strong winds.

On financial resilience, the government has prepared the Zanzibar Disaster Risk Financing Strategy (2025–2030) to ensure sustainable funding for climate adaptation and disaster response. The strategy encourages insurance coverage to help communities recover more quickly from disasters.

Beyond disaster management, the Office of the Second Vice-President oversees implementation of the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) programme in Zanzibar. Preparations for Phase III of the poverty reduction programme are underway, with a pilot exercise conducted in 75 Shehias identifying 14,818 poor households as beneficiaries.

The office also manages the Constituency Development Catalyst Fund, which supports community projects proposed by Members of Parliament. In Zanzibar, 50 constituencies received more than 2.03bn/-, while the Zanzibar government allocated 1bn/- to the Constituency Development Fund following the 2025 General Election.

Training for MPs, municipal directors and planning officers has been conducted to ensure transparent management of the funds. In line with President Hussein Mwinyi’s vision of digital governance, a government performance monitoring system has been developed to track activities across all Zanzibar ministries. Another digital platform to streamline research permit issuance is also nearing completion.

The office has continued to coordinate Union matters, strengthening collaboration between Zanzibar and the Union government. Currently, 55 joint projects are being implemented through cooperation between ministries of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and those of the Union government.