ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi launched the Zanzibar Bureau of Standards (ZBS) modern testing laboratory yesterday, which guarantees safety and proper automotive inspection to curb the importation of substandard vehicles and other goods into the isles.
President Mwinyi stated that equipped with modern technology, ZBS will be able to prevent the importation of substandard goods and prevent Zanzibar from becoming a dumping site.
“I am thrilled to see this project implemented in line with the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)’s 2020-2025 election manifesto, which focuses on empowering ZBS for enhanced efficiency in its operations,” said Dr Mwinyi.
He stated that many outdated and substandard goods, including vehicles, have been found in Zanzibar due to the lack of proper inspection technology and the new testing lab enables inspectors to perform their job effectively and competently.
Dr Mwinyi explained that the new lab is a result of the Ministry of Trade and Industrial Development’s Special Committee, which was formed to study and recommend reforms to improve ZBS performance.
“This committee was established based on my instructions to the Ministry to evaluate the effectiveness of ZBS in carrying out its duties,” he noted.
He added, “I am very pleased to see that ZBS management has promptly acted on the committee’s recommendations, and today we are inaugurating the new lab.”
According to Dr Mwinyi, the government is dedicated to ensuring proper ZBS operations by enhancing technology and providing training for capacity building among its employees.
“The government is making every effort to ensure that people are protected from counterfeit and substandard goods through modern laboratories and skilled personnel,” he noted.
Regarding vehicle inspection, Dr. Mwinyi emphasised the importance of proper inspection to prevent the importation or operation of vehicles that pose safety threats and contribute to air pollution in the isles.
He stated that vehicles that do not meet standards can harm the environment through air pollution and lead to accidents, resulting in the loss of lives of the country’s workforce.
He instructed the Zanzibar Revenue Authority (ZRA) and Zanzibar Insurance Corporation (ZIC) to collaborate closely with ZBS’s automotive inspection lab to ensure that imported vehicles meet the agreed quality and standards.
He also called for the establishment of a one-stop centre to streamline the clearance of goods, including vehicles, at the port.
Minister for Trade and Industrial Development, Mr Omar Shaaban, mentioned that the establishment of the automotive test lab was timely, as statistics show an increase in vehicles requiring inspection.
“I urge ZRA, Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and Zanzibar Road Safety and Transport Authority (ZASTA) to utilise the ZBS lab to ensure that imported vehicles meet the country’s set standards,” he said.
ZBS Director General, Mr. Yussuf Majid Nassor, stated that his institution has taken measures to ensure that only quality and standard products, whether locally manufactured or imported, enter the Zanzibar market.
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He mentioned that the construction of the new ZBS lab began in the 2018/2019 financial year and has cost a total of 1.07bn/- upon completion.
Mr Nassor appealed to members of the business community to cooperate fully with ZBS by importing goods that meet standards to avoid incurring business losses and conflicts with the authorities.