Mwinyi pledges to improve road network
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, has inaugurated the newly tarmacked Jozani Charawe-UkongoroniBwejuu Road, saying that Zanzibar is on track to end transport challenges caused by poor road network.
After years of being an ‘impassable’ road with potholes, the 24.5 kilometres road has been upgraded at tarmac level to the happiness of people, particularly residents of the villages in Unguja South Region.
“We are committed to improving roads and other infrastructures. Construction of Charawe- Chwaka road and the bridge to connect UziNgambwa are already in our plans for implementation,” Dr Mwinyi said at the event to mark his four years of presidency.
He explained that the planned bridge aims to connect North and South regions of Zanzibar, allowing citizens to travel within these areas without having to cover long distances.
“As the government improves our roads, I want people to protect them by avoiding encroachment. I also call for strict enforcement of laws to safeguard the infrastructure from individuals who set up markets or shops on the roadsides,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He added that construction of a four-lane Tunguu-Makunduchi Road is set to commence soon.
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“We should also avoid building too close to the road reserve, as this space is needed for essential infrastructure like water pipes, power poles and pedestrian walkways,” President Mwinyi emphasised.
He noted that, at times, the government faces delays in executing road construction projects due to the high costs associated with compensation. The president also called for collaboration among stakeholders to avoid inconveniences to the people during road construction, such as damage or destruction of water pipes and electricity poles.
Speaking about development of other infrastructures; water and electricity in Unguja South, Dr Mwinyi said that the government has already started implementing a major project that will end water shortage and unreliable power supply in the region.
He said that the plans include construction of water reserve tanks in Michamvi, Bwejuu, Paje, Jambiani, Kitogani, Makunduchi and Kizimkazi, where the government will soon sign a contract for the work execution.
The Zanzibar Second Vice-President, Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, said at the event that the new road opens various economic opportunities for the people of the region including farmers, fishermen and breeders, who will be able to transport their products.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed, commended Dr Mwinyi for his vision to bring development to the people that is seen in all sectors; both in Unguja and Pemba.
He said the JozaniCharawe- Bwejuu Road was a big challenge for the residents of those villages for more than 40 years, but its completion is a great success.
Dr Mohammed noted that the government targets to construct 1,344 kilometres of road, but under four years of Dr Mwinyi leadership a total of 897.2 kilometres of roads are currently under construction, including the 11 kilometres of Kibuteni-Paje Road.
Dr Habiba Hassan Omar, the Principal Secretary (PS) of the ministry, said that the 24.5 kilometres of road opened by Dr Mwinyi was constructed in 1964 after Zanzibar Revolution and now it has been reconstructed at the cost of 27,607,500 US dollars by Turkish Orkun Company.
On his part, the Regional Commissioner (RC) for Unguja South, Mr Ayoub Mohammed Mahmoud thanked President Mwinyi for his good work for Zanzibaris in various sectors, including road infrastructure, health, electricity and schools.
