Mwinyi urges road protection
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has directed the Road Fund to immediately repair any defects in newly constructed roads to maintain their quality and longevity.
He also called on authorities responsible for road reserves to continue educating the public on avoiding construction near these areas, as such actions lead to high compensation costs when infrastructure, including road expansions, need to be developed.
Speaking at the inauguration of a 6.5 kilometre road from the Airport to Mnazi Mmoja in the Mjini District, Dr Mwinyi emphasised that pedestrian pathways should only be used as intended and warned vehicle owners against parking or conducting other activities on them.
He cited the example of business owners and members of the public who misuse these spaces.
Dr Mwinyi also highlighted that the completion of the Airport – K/Samaki Road marks the fulfilment of a government promises to rebuild 109 kilometres of urban roads, many of which had deteriorated.
This effort is part of a broader plan that includes the construction of the first phase of the Mwanakwerekwe Flyover and the second phase at Amani. The government is also working on building intersections with dual lanes to ease traffic congestion and improve daily commutes.
The President emphasised the importance of maintaining the cleanliness and lighting of all new roads, instructing relevant ministries to ensure they are regularly maintained and any damage is quickly repaired.
He also reiterated his call for the public to avoid building on reserved land, as this leads to unnecessary costs when infrastructure projects are carried out.
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With the theme for the 61st anniversary being “Peace, Unity and Solidarity for Our Development,” Dr Mwinyi also used the occasion to remind Zanzibaris about the importance of maintaining peace and political stability ahead of next year’s general elections.
Minister for Infrastructure, Communication and Transport Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed emphasised that the new roads are built to modern standards, with excavation, stone and gravel filling and a 5-metre asphalt layer to ensure durability.
He noted that countries with road networks covering 22.8 per cent of their land area experience significant economic growth and that Zanzibar’s road projects in Unguja and Pemba are key to driving development.
Dr Khalid also highlighted the ongoing road improvements in Pemba, with 96 kilometres currently under construction.
He stated that by the end of 2025, all road projects are expected to be completed, with 85 per cent of construction already finished.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, Dr Habiba Hassan Omar, reported that the newly inaugurated 6.5 kilometre road from Mnazi Mmoja to K/Samaki is part of a larger 100.9 kilometre urban road project.
She shared that the construction contract was signed in August 2022 with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the project officially began on December 1, 2022, with a 36-month implementation period.
