Konde–Msuka road brings relief to patients, expectant mothers in Pemba

PEMBA: THE opening of the Konde–Msuka road in Pemba has brought relief to expectant mothers and patients who for years struggled to reach health facilities, marking the end of prolonged hardship for local residents.

Speaking to residents and officials after officially launching the road as part of activities in marking the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, Minister for Community Development, Elderly, Gender and Children, Ms Anna Athanas Paul, said the project has eased access to essential social services.

She said poor road infrastructure previously placed pregnant women and sick residents at great risk, with some expectant mothers giving birth along the way due to transport difficulties.

“Before this road, the people of Msuka faced serious hardship in accessing essential services. In the spirit of the 1964 Revolution, the government decided to remove that burden,” she said.

Presenting a technical report, the Ministry of Works and Transport Liaison Officer for Pemba, Mr Ibrahim Saleh Juma, urged residents to protect and maintain the 4.1-kilometre road, describing it as a major public investment and a tangible outcome of the Revolution.

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Deputy Minister for Community Development, Elderly, Gender and Children Ms Zawadi Amour Nassor said the road will boost economic activities, increase household incomes and contribute to national development.

Earlier, Micheweni District Commissioner Mr Khatib Juma Mjaja said residents of North Pemba are satisfied with the government’s implementation of development projects aimed at expanding economic opportunities in the region.

Residents of Msuka expressed gratitude to the government for addressing a long-standing infrastructure challenge.