ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi on Thursday called on local authorities and the public at large to protect road reserve, saying they are crucial for future public development.
Dr Mwinyi was speaking in the South Unguja Region, where he laid the foundation stone for the 7.2 km Kizimbani – Kiboje road upgrades.
President Mwinyi insisted the critical importance of preserving road reserves, highlighting their role in enabling road expansion and improvements.
He further noted that the reserves act as vital buffer zones, providing safety when vehicles accidentally veer off the road.
“Road reserves, which include legally designated areas for footpaths, bicycle lanes and other utilities like water pipes, communication lines and electrical cables, which are essential for future public development.
Compliance with regulations is critical,” said President Mwinyi. President Mwinyi expressed concern over the increasing number of unauthorised structures and businesses within road reserves, warning that the practice poses a serious threat to execution of development programme.
“Our roads are becoming narrow because public spaces are being taken up by buildings,” he noted. Commenting on the ongoing construction, President Mwinyi commended the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, the consulting engineers and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for their dedication to delivering a high-quality project that meet modern construction standards.
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“The construction sector continues to shine as one of the key drivers of national development. We must celebrate the achievements of the 1964 revolution, which laid the foundation for our country’s infrastructural progress,” said Dr Mwinyi.
Minister for Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Dr Khalid Mohammed Salum said the South Region Unguja Road runs through fertile agricultural zones known for high crop yields, positioning it as a catalyst for economic growth and improved market access.
“This road is long overdue for the residents of Kizimbani, Mndo and Kiboje who have been waiting nearly 40 years for a tarmacked road. This is a cause for celebration,” Dr Salum said.
In her technical report, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Habiba Hassan said Kizimbani- Kiboje road project is part of the government’s commitment in the 2020-2025 CCM Election Manifesto and Zanzibar’s National Development Vision (2050), as well as various transport policies and plans.
She said the project is 85 per cent complete and that it is expected to cost 6.265 million US dollars (about 15.2bn/-) upon completion.
