Pemba transport set for major upgrade, says Mwinyi
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has moved to tackle the chronic transport and cargo challenges on Pemba Island, announcing the acquisition of new vessels and a directive for state-run shipping lines to take a more aggressive role in the market.
Speaking on Tuesday, during the inauguration of the newly built Chachani Mosque in Chake Chake, South Pemba Region, Dr. Mwinyi detailed a practical roadmap to fix the link between Unguja and Pemba, shifting the focus from promises to procurement.
To break the current transport deadlock, the government has secured two high-speed passenger vessels and is currently sourcing a dedicated cargo ship to provide reliable, scheduled services that have been missing for residents and traders alike, he said. Furthermore, the President confirmed that the MV Mapinduzi II is in the final stages of maintenance and is expected back on the water shortly.
In a notable policy shift, Dr Mwinyi directed the Zanzibar Shipping Corporation to step up its operations rather than leaving maritime logistics entirely to the private sector.
The President noted that ongoing improvements at Pemba’s ports are designed to attract greater private-sector participation, encourage investment in additional vessels and eliminate transport bottlenecks that have constrained trade and service delivery on the island.
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“Improved port infrastructure will naturally attract more investment in vessels,” Dr Mwinyi noted, suggesting that better docks are the key to eliminating the island’s logistics bottlenecks.
Beyond infrastructure, Dr Mwinyi urged Muslim faithful to use mosques as platforms to address social challenges affecting vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, people with disabilities and the underprivileged. He commended businessman Said Nassor Bopar for funding the construction of the mosque and encouraged other wellwishers to invest in charitable initiatives that benefit communities.
Dr Mwinyi also called on traders to refrain from increasing food prices during the holy month of Ramadan, stressing that essential commodities remain sufficiently available. He urged Muslims to strengthen unity, compassion and prayer during the sacred period.
Bopar thanked the President for what he described as visionary leadership, noting that improved transport links between Unguja and Pemba would enhance service delivery, particularly the timely movement of goods to Pemba residents.
