Mwinyi urges Zanzibaris to exploit project opportunities

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has urged Zanzibaris, particularly those in the rural-coastal areas, to take advantage of various government projects being implemented to improve their economic welfare.

He encouraged residents, especially youths and women seeking employment, to take advantage of the existing and upcoming opportunities to improve their lives and overcome economic challenges.

Dr Mwinyi made the call at a ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the construction of more than 370 houses meant for compensation to people or families affected by the ongoing implementation of new mega seaport at Mangpwani- Bumbwini in Unguja North Region.

He stressed: “In addition to the multipurpose project, we are implementing many projects including road construction. In executing these projects, we create direct employment, but also opportunities for you to provide services such as food and accommodation to workers.”

“I urge you to fully take advantage of the opportunities,” Dr Mwinyi said, assuring that no person whose land has been taken for development will be left out of compensation.

He further said that individuals who prefer monetary compensation instead of a house will be given money.

In his brief speech, Dr Mwinyi called on the public to continue upholding peace and stability and also pray for the upcoming General Election slated for later this year so that they are carried out in a peaceful atmosphere.

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The laying of the foundation stone for 370 residential houses and other public buildings at Mangapwani, was among the activities to mark the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar revolution celebrations, climaxing on January 12 this year in Pemba Island.

Dr Mwinyi further explained that ongoing projects in Zanzibar will bring significant economic and developmental changes, calling upon citizens to exploit emerging opportunities to eradicate poverty.

“For example, the Mangapwani seaport and road network construction projects will attract many foreign workers, who will need housing and various social services, presenting a valuable economic opportunity for residents and other Zanzibaris,” he pointed out.

President Mwinyi commended the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, as well as the Zanzibar Building Agency (ZBA), for their effective supervision of the housing project. He also praised the Turkish construction company, ORKUN GROUP, for its work on the project.

On his part, Zanzibar Minister for Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed, assured residents that all ongoing road construction projects in the country are being built to international quality standards.

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With regard to connecting Mangapwani to other areas, Mr Mohammed said the government has already signed agreements with ORKUN GROUP to construct an 8-kilometre road from Mfenesini to Bumbwini, as well as the Mahonda-Zingwezingwe-Pangatupu road, which will be paved with tarmac.”

Presenting a technical report, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Dr Habiba Hassan, said that the construction of the 370 houses on a 30-hectare site will also include internal roads, clean and wastewater systems, waste management facilities, a mosque and a commercial area.

She said the project is progressing well and has reached 50 per cent of implementation with the contractor payments totalling $13.2 million, representing 47.91 per cent of the total project cost.”