ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has directed responsible authorities to enhance precautionary measures on fire disasters.
Dr Mwinyi also emphasised on improvement of firefighting systems in the Islands to minimise effects.
He made the call on Friday following the January 31, 2024 blaze that erupted at Kengeja Secondary School in Pemba.
President Mwinyi visited the school where he comforted students, teachers, parents and the community, promising that the schools will be rebuilt.
“It’s sad that the building and some properties including the hostel have been destroyed, but let us be patient as the government plans to rebuild the school,” Dr Mwinyi said.
Investigations are still going on to establish the cause of the blaze.
On her part, Minister for Education and Vocational Training Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa also comforted the students for the loss, and thanked various stakeholders who offered donations for the school, including unnamed Good Samaritan who donated 300m/-.
“Other donors are the businessman Mr Rostam Aziz (100m/-); NMB bank (70 bed sheets and 70 mattresses); Zanzibar Revenue Authority (5m/-); a businessman Mr Hussein Muzzamil (1m/-); and Koica International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) which has provided school uniforms for 70 students,” Ms Mussa said
When he landed in Pemba, Dr Mwinyi was received at Pemba Airport by Pemba South Regional Commissioner Mattar Zahor Masoud and various leaders from the government, religious leaders, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) leaders and members of security and defence forces.
Meanwhile, Dr Mwinyi used the opportunity to join other Muslims during Friday Prayers where he reminded believers and Tanzanians in general to remain committed in maintaining peace, unity, cohesion and stability as well as continuing making contributions in achieving development goals.
He issued the reminder after the prayers at the opening of the three-Day Muslim preaching gathering (Tabligh Markaz) held at Magome Festival in Chakechake District, South Pemba Region.
“Keep on praying for the country’s peace and stability,” Dr Mwinyi said as he also appealed to parents and believers to strengthen their role of teaching children on religious knowledge so that they become God-fearing people and refrain from the use of drugs, theft, dishonesty on public property and sexual abuse.
The President also praised the Office of the Grand Mufti of Zanzibar for properly coordinating religious activities including promoting stability, peace and love.