ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has assured islanders that his government has solid, effective and good plans in place to raise funds to finance development projects in the isles.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks when he laid a foundation stone for the construction of Zanzibar’s first flyover at Mwanakwerekwe in the Western B District of the Urban West Region as part of the activities to kick off celebrations for the 61st anniversary of Zanzibar’s Revolution.
He said that the launch of the flyover construction is a continuation of fulfilling promises and implementing CCM’s 2020 -2025 election manifesto.
Dr Mwinyi detailed that the construction of the flyover is the beginning of even greater things to come, highlighting that the government intends to implement a large project involving a four-way interchange.
He urged citizens to continue supporting their government.
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In his ten-minute speech to the jubilant and enthusiastic people, Dr Mwinyi challenged leaders and high-ranking executives that they need to drive innovation that will lead to changes and inspire sustainable growth within their organisations and the country at large.
“We should celebrate having the first flyover. This is the beginning of many attractive things ahead of us. After the flyover, the construction of interchange follows, “ Dr Mwinyi said, adding that funds for the planned projects are available.
“The government has strong and consistent plans to secure funds to develop Zanzibar in every aspect. We must celebrate the achievements so far, but it is unfortunate that some mock us. They should just be ignored,” Dr Mwinyi said.
He argued further that the flyover in Zanzibar is a permanent landmark for the islands, as it is the first time since Zanzibar’s Revolution that it has a flyover of this type.
President Mwinyi reiterated calls on members of the public to refrain from invading road reserve areas because, at some point, they will be required for other infrastructure such as laying of electric cables and water pipes.
Dr Mwinyi praised the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport; and the contractors- CCECC Company for the good work for far in constructing the flyover.
“We have successfully fulfilled what we promised during the election campaign. We are now implementing beyond the promises and this will enable our party to win the 2025 general election with a landslide victory,” he said.
Commenting on the 61st anniversary of the Revolution theme: ‘Peace, Stability and Unity for Our Development’, Dr Mwinyi said it is an appropriate slogan because without peace, Zanzibar cannot develop.
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He urged all people in the islands to maintain peace, tolerance and stability because of their utmost importance to the country’s development.
Minister of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed said Dr Mwinyi’s government is constructing a total of 897.2 kilometres of roads in Unguja and Pemba. Zanzibar has a road network stretching 1,344 kilometres.
He said that the CCM manifesto directed the leadership to construct 196.7 kilometres of roads, adding that the government intends to build bridges that will connect Chwaka and Charawe villages.
The minister also said that construction for the two kilometre Uzi Ngambwa Bridge and its approaching roads stretching 8.7-kilometres, has already begun, insisting that the government is continuing with the construction of a 15-km road on Tumbatu Islet.
Earlier, Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr Makame Haji said the construction of the flyover is part of the 100.9-kilometre urban road project which includes two flyovers to be built at Mwanakwerekwe and Amani in Unguja.
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He said the construction of Mwanakwerekwe flyover began on 1st December, 2023 and is expected to be completed on 20th March, 2025, at a cost of more than US19 million dollars.
However, he said more than 2.7bn/- has been used to compensate citizens whose plots were taken for the construction of the 72 metres flyover.
The Regional Commissioner (RC) for the Unguja Urban-West Region, Mr Idrisa Kitwana Mustafa, said “people in the region and Zanzibar are happy with the pace of development involving road infrastructure construction. We pray to God so that Dr Mwinyi can serve the country longer.”
