Mwinyi urges public to support development efforts

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has called on citizens to continue cooperating with the government in supporting development initiatives to ensure they deliver the intended benefits to communities.

Dr Mwinyi made the call recently during the laying of the foundation stone for the Uzi–Ng’ambwa Bridge and its connecting 8.7-kilometre road network, an event held as part of activities in marking the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.

At the event, the President expressed satisfaction with the progress of the bridge construction project, describing the pace of work as encouraging and on track.

Dr Mwinyi said the project has reached a commendable phase and is progressing steadily, a development expected to significantly improve transport and stimulate economic activities for residents of Uzi and surrounding areas.

Once completed, he added, the bridge will ease long-standing transport hardships and enable residents to participate fully in economic and social development.

The President expressed optimism that the bridge would be officially opened within the next four months, allowing residents to travel with ease.

“Some people said this project would never happen, but we have proven that where there is commitment, a way can be found. Today, this project is nearing completion,” Dr Mwinyi said.

He explained that the bridge is being constructed at a height of 4.5 metres, while the highest water level reaches 2.5 metres, making the structure safe even during high tides.

“Experts have conducted studies and confirmed that even after 100 years, water levels will not exceed 3.5 metres. This means the bridge will remain safe and passable for decades to come,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi urged the 60 residents who have yet to collect their compensation to do so immediately to enable the government to complete the remaining road works without delays.

He directed Shehia, District and Regional leaders to ensure the affected residents collect their compensation and release the required land, stressing that the opening of the bridge should coincide with the completion of access roads.

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“It would not be wise for a few individuals to become an obstacle to completing this important project,” he cautioned.

President Mwinyi also praised the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), for executing the project professionally, noting its decision to construct a section of the road from the roundabout to the bridge at its own cost.

He further commended the Ministry of Works and Transport for its extensive road construction efforts in both urban and rural areas, including trunk and feeder roads.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed, described the bridge as a historic project for residents of Uzi and neighbouring villages.

He said Zanzibar has an official road network of 1,344 kilometres.

The 2020–2025 CCM election manifesto directed the government to construct 196.7 kilometres during that period, but more than 1,084 kilometres are currently under construction.

Dr Khalid noted that the main challenge facing the project has been compensation payments, explaining that 2.46bn/- has been allocated to compensate 214 residents, of whom 161 have already been paid, while 60 are yet to collect their payments.

He commended President Mwinyi’s leadership, saying Zanzibar; both Unguja and Pemba are undergoing rapid socio-economic transformation.

Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Engineer Ali Said Bakar, said the bridge measures 2.2 kilometres in length, with 6.5 kilometres of connecting roads, forming part of a wider 277.7-kilometre road construction programme.

He said construction officially began on January 11, 2025, and is expected to be completed by March 2026 at a total cost of 36bn/-, fully funded by the government.

The project is being implemented by CCECC and supervised by Darhandas. Engineer Bakar explained that the bridge is 12.8 metres wide, stands an average of four metres above sea level and is designed to carry vehicles weighing up to 60 tonnes.

It will feature two traffic lanes, street lighting and 98 culverts to allow water flow during high tides.

The connecting roads are being built to asphalt standards, with a width of 9.5 metres, drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, street lighting, road markings and speed-calming humps.

He commended President Mwinyi for addressing longstanding challenges through action rather than promises, citing the bridge as a clear example.

South Unguja Regional Commissioner Ms Hamida Mussa Khamis commended President Mwinyi for opening up the region economically and development-wise.

Speaking on behalf of local residents, Ms Omar Kombo Haji thanked the President for delivering the bridge through action, noting that many past leaders had promised the project but failed to implement it.

“Today everyone can see and appreciate that Zanzibaris, including residents of this village, have been blessed with a leader chosen by God,” he said.

He added that Zanzibar has undergone remarkable transformation, now boasting multistorey buildings, modern hospitals, schools and improved road infrastructure.