Mwinyi performance thrills ACT- Wazalendo elders

ZANZIBAR: ACT – WAZALENDO elders have expressed satisfaction with the performance of Zanzibar President Hussein Mwinyi, enabling the Isles to record admirable strides.

They made the remarks through their representative Mr Said Ali Mabrouk when they met with Dr Mwinyi yesterday.

They said they were happy to meet Dr Mwinyi, an opportunity they used to discuss several cross-cutting issues in the country.

According to the State House press statement, the elders, on their part, thanked Dr Mwinyi for the good work so far in developing Zanzibar in a short period of his presidency.

The elders mentioned increase in the payment of universal pension schemes, and other pensions as one of the admirable steps taken by President Mwinyi which has pleased them.

President Mwinyi, however urged them to continue praying for the country so that peace and political stability continues to prevail.

Earlier, during a meeting with Chama Cha Mapinduzi elders President Mwinyi pledged to implement workable measures to control the growing cost of living for the majority citizens.

The Isles’ President said he will spare no efforts in making Zanzibar the best place for everyone to live.

Dr Mwinyi, who is also National Vice Chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Zanzibar, said this at Pagali State House, Pemba said that the rise in the cost of living has been caused by many challenges including global shocks in economy associated with ongoing wars, and a drop in farm products, leading some countries like India to restrict exports of some of its products.

“Some of the restrictions by big exporters like India have contributed to the economic deterioration in many countries and the hiking of prices, Zanzibar is no exception,” said Dr Mwinyi. CCM and ACT-Wazalendo form the Government of National Unity (GNU) currently operating in Zanzibar.

He explained that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar is doing everything possible to develop the economy and control inflation so that people can live peacefully with less hardships in accessing essential needs.

Commenting on challenge related to transshipment of goods, leading to price hike of commodities, Dr Mwinyi said plans are underway to enable ports in Pemba to have direct link to Mombasa in Kenya so that goods are received directly without passing via Dar es Salaam or Malindi- Zanzibar.

Meanwhile, Dr Mwinyi, in different places, hosted Iftar dinner for the people in Pemba in both north and South regions, which also included people living with disabilities, widows, and the divorced.

Iftar is the meal prepared for Muslims to break their fast after sunset every day during Ramadan, and the president said having meals together promotes unity, cooperation, love and strengthens peace between leaders and citizens.