ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has appreciated the critical role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in provision of social services, saying the government alone can hardly reach out to all wananchi.
“For a long period, NGOs have been doing a great job that complements the government’s responsibility to serve citizens especially in strengthening the social service sector,” Dr Mwinyi said in his talks with Milele Zanzibar Foundation (MZF) and IFRAJ Zanzibar Foundation leaders at the State House on Tuesday evening.
The NGOs’ leaders had paid a courtesy call to the president to, among other things, explain to him in detail their activities in the islands.
President Mwinyi commended the organisations for the enviable job, describing them as role models of efficient NGOs in the country.
He said the foundations complement the government goals to improve social services—health, education, water supply and entrepreneurs’ empowerment.
“I appreciate the great job that you are doing because it touches the government’s priorities in strengthening provision of social services,” said the president.
He particularly cited the putting in place of strong systems and infrastructure as well as development of human resources in the sectors for praise.
President Mwinyi said Zanzibar faces a serious challenge of sufficient and reliable water supply, commending the foundations for the initiatives to support well drilling and procurement of water pumps. He particularly praised IFRAJ foundation for construction of 500 residential houses, saying the initiative is highly appreciated.
The president pledged construction of Birikau road in Pemba Island as well as directing the anti-smuggling unit—KMKM—to educate owners of boats that transport wananchi in the islands to boast marine transport safety.
MZF Head of Programmes Khadija Ahmeid Sharrif said her foundation has been on the forefront in support of the community through various social sectors, including health, education, water and empowerment of entrepreneurs.
She said MZF supports mother and child health through construction of health centres in various parts of Unguja and Pemba, provision of medical equipment and capacity building to health personnel.
Ms Shariff said her organisation puts great emphasis on the development of the education sector by supporting construction of school buildings and ensuring availability of appropriate teaching methodologies and researches.
She further said MZF is on the forefront in empowerment of entrepreneurs especially women and youth in seaweed farming with the goal of boasting the produce through processing for increased revenues.
IFRAJ Manager Abdalla Said Abdalla told the president that his orgnanisation deals with construction of residential houses for low-income islanders, noting that the foundation is currently finalising the 500-housing unit project, which will cost over 7.5bn/-.
The organisation also constructs worship buildings—Mosques and Madrasas–in various areas as well as supporting orphans and widows.
