ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has reassured the people of Zanzibar that the future is brighter for them.
He said achieving the goal requires adopting a positive mindset on current efforts of development and take proactive steps towards personal and collective growth.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks here at the official opening of the first ever MultiStorey Car park at Malindi in the buffer zone of the World heritage site of the Zanzibar Stone Town.
The President said that all the promises he makes publicly regarding the implementation of major development projects in the country are not mere political lies, but rather are genuine commitments meant to be implemented.
The launch of the multistorey parking facility at Malindi in the Unguja Urban District, is among activities lined-up to celebrate the 61stanniversary of the Isles 1964 revolution whose climax will be held in Pemba on 12 January 2025.
“I am among the people who love Stone Town and I want to see the heritage site maintained because it is one of the leading tourists’ attractions in isles. Whatever we plan and implement, is for the sake of maintaining the site and not destroying it,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He said that having a modern multi-storey car park aims to reduce unplanned car parking in the Stone area and that such actions demonstrate leadership that leaves a legacy and patriotism, reiterating that under his leadership, “The future of Zanzibar is brighter.”
While outlining other major strategic projects expected to be implemented in the coming years under his leadership, President Mwinyi mentioned the water taxi project, with the construction of taxi docks already underway at Maruhubi area.
Dr Mwinyi explained that the water taxis will ease transport between Stone Town and other areas such as North Unguja, providing an alternative to road transport such as buses and other means.
“We also have plans to build jetties to facilitate water taxi services for tourists visiting small islands and introduce Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) from Malindi to Bububu after the reconstruction of four-lane road,” Dr Mwinyi said.
Dr Mwinyi added said that alongside the parking facility, the government of Zanzibar plans to construct a modern passenger bus terminal near the the new multistorey car park area and develop a large passenger vehicle terminal and a youth sports ground for basketball.
Through the “Big Z” project, Dr Mwinyi said, the government also plans to construct a new road from Malindi to Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, enhancing the status of the heritage town and that the project also includes placing all electricity and communication cables, water pipes underground to improve cleanliness and restore the city’s aesthetic appeal.
“The renovation of the “Jamhuri Garden” is also underway to give it a modern appearance in Zanzibar’s city centre,” he said while commending the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF) for executing its roles well including providing timely benefits to citizens and investing in impactful projects.
He encouraged ZSSF to continue investing in huge projects and contributing to national development.
He cited examples from some countries such as Malaysia where social security funds play a vital role in nation-building, encouraging ZSSF to search for the best practices and emulate them.
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He also urged citizens to maintain peace, unity and political stability to ensure the country continues to achieve significant development strides as the Minister of State- President’s Office (Regional Administration, Local Government and Special Departments) Mr Masoud Ali Mohammed praised Dr Mwinyi for being a visionary leader.
Mr Mohamed, who was at the event on behalf of the Minister of State, President’s office (Finance and Planning) Dr Saada Mkuya Salum, said that citizens will remember Dr Mwinyi for the legacy of his leadership and his patriotism for the country.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of State, President’s office (Finance and Planning) Dr Juma Malik Akili, disclosed that the cost of the construction of multistorey car park at Malindi was 6.8bn/-, as he urged citizens to continue contributing to the ZSSF to enable it undertake more big projects.
He noted that the Multi-Storey Car park has the capacity to accommodate between 200 and 220 small vehicles at a time.
