Pemba set for major airport, road upgrades

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has reaffirmed his eighth-phase government’s commitment to transformative reforms in the aviation sector, focusing on strengthening infrastructure and expanding services to enhance Pemba Island’s international connectivity.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrade and expansion of Pemba Airport and the construction of the Mkoani–Chake Chake road, officiated on his behalf by Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, President Dr Hussein Mwinyi stated that the government’s commitment began in 2023, when it recognised the urgent need to develop a modern, international-standard airport for the island.

“The aim is to ensure that Pemba has a fully-fledged international airport that will boost tourism, investment and trade,” he said.

Currently, the airport handles about 100,000 domestic passengers annually, far below demand. The new project is expected to serve at least 330,000 passengers per year, including both domestic and international travellers.

Dr Mwinyi said the project will significantly improve air transport services and unlock Pemba’s economic potential, adding that aviation reforms are part of broader efforts to ease access to essential social and economic services for all Zanzibaris.

“Once completed, if you wish to travel anywhere in the world, you will be able to fly directly from here,” he assured.

On the Mkoani–Chake Chake road project, Dr Mwinyi said it responds to a long-standing plea by Pemba residents. The government signed a contract in 2022 with Propav Infrastructure for the 43.5-kilometre road, which will link Mkoani with other towns across the island.

“The government is ensuring that Zanzibar’s roads are built to tarmac standards and maintained in good condition at all times,” he said.

According to the President, the infrastructure projects are part of wider government strategies to promote economic growth, facilitate business and social activities, expand tourism, increase national revenue and reduce income poverty.

He emphasised that the initiatives align with the CCM 2020–2025 Election Manifesto, the Zanzibar Development Vision 2050, the National Transport Policy, and the Zanzibar Transport Master Plan.

Dr Mwinyi called for peace, unity, and cooperation among citizens to ensure smooth implementation of the projects, while commending the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Zanzibar Airports Authority, and the UK government for their financial support. He also urged contractors, Dar Al Handasah and Propav, to deliver high-quality work on schedule.

Minister for Infrastructure, Communications and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed, praised Dr Mwinyi for his vision and leadership in spearheading transformative projects such as the Pemba Airport expansion.

He said the government is also building 190 kilometres of new roads across Pemba, promising that by December this year, the island will look entirely new.

He dismissed claims that the Union government is blocking funds for Zanzibar projects, noting that collaboration between Zanzibar and Tanzania’s Ministry of Finance extends to joint missions abroad, including to China.

Permanent Secretary Dr Habiba Hassan Oman said Pemba Airport was originally built in the 1950s with a capacity of 100,000 passengers per year. Following feasibility studies conducted between 2018 and 2020, the government signed a contract in January 2023 with Propav Infrastructure of Spain to expand the airport into an international gateway.

Construction began in November 2024 and is scheduled to take 36 months at a cost of €170 million, financed through a UK loan.

The airport project will include a new passenger terminal with a 330,000 annual capacity, a 2,510-meter runway, 45 metres wide, capable of handling FlyDubai, Oman Air and Airbus aircraft for direct international flights; aircraft parking for up to 10 planes; a modern control tower, fire and rescue facilities, a mosque, parking areas, fencing, and other auxiliary services; and commercial amenities such as shops, restaurants, and offices for immigration and other stakeholders. So far, more than 15bn/- has been disbursed, with over 14bn/- used to compensate 1,011 affected property owners.

The 43.5-kilometre Chake Chake–Mkoani road, launched in June 2025, is estimated to cost over €63 million. It will feature dual carriageways in urban areas, four-lane sections near Chake Chake and the airport, pedestrian walkways, traffic lights and all necessary road signs