Fumba set for modern urban transformation

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR is positioning Fumba to become a modern urban centre combining commerce, tourism and sports, Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has said.

The Second VP the move was part of the government efforts to step up investment in infrastructure to unlock the area’s economic potential.

Mr Hemed made the remarks during a visit on Monday to inspect progress on the construction of the AFCON stadium in Fumba, Unguja Magharibi ‘B’ District.

He said the government had decided to diversify Zanzibar’s tourism offerings, with sports emerging as an important area of investment to expand economic opportunities and increase revenues for both the government and citizens.

“Once this area is fully developed, we believe it will significantly contribute to the growth of tourism and increase our national revenues,” Mr Hemed said.

He described Fumba as one of the strategic areas expected to drive economic and social development in Zanzibar, saying the government’s plans extended beyond construction of the stadium.

According to Mr Hemed, Fumba is being developed as a fully-fledged modern town with essential services and facilities for residents, businesses, visitors and tourists.

The planned development will include residential housing, hotels, conference facilities and other commercial and economic activities, he said.

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“The government is determined to ensure that Fumba becomes a major commercial town that brings together people and diverse economic activities. This will promote social interaction and stimulate business growth,” he said.

Mr Hemed said the infrastructure being developed would also create new opportunities for Zanzibar to strengthen its tourism sector by providing services capable of attracting more visitors and making it easier for tourists to access the area.

He highlighted the importance of reliable transport services, including marine transport such as sea taxis, to facilitate the movement of visitors and tourists to and from Fumba.

“We are preparing a proper system, similar to what is provided around other international stadiums, together with other supporting services,” he said.

The Second Vice-President said the stadium would create opportunities for the development of sports tourism while also providing facilities for conferences, events and other tourism-related activities.

“We have now decided to invest in other forms of tourism while continuing to strengthen our traditional tourism attractions, so that we can expand the range of services and increase revenues generated from the sector,” he said.

Mr Hemed also said the government was working to ensure Zanzibar has an adequate and reliable electricity supply by 2030 in response to rising demand driven by urbanisation, investment, business and tourism.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Eng Ali Bakar Said assured the Second Vice-President that road construction works in Fumba were progressing well and would be completed by the end of December this year.

He said the government remained committed to improving road infrastructure in the area to support ongoing development and ensure Fumba was adequately connected to other parts of Zanzibar.