Samia to launch key marine science project
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR is poised to strengthen its role in marine research and the Blue Economy as President Samia Suluhu Hassan is today set to officially inaugurate a new academic and administrative complex at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) at Buyu in Unguja.
Speaking at a press conference held at the IMS main campus in Buyu, University of Dar es Salaam Vice-Chancellor, Prof William Anangisye said the President will commission the newly constructed academic and administrative building alongside a Students’ Hostel today.
He said the inauguration marks a significant milestone in the expansion of higher education infrastructure in Zanzibar and aligns with the government’s broader agenda of improving learning and research environments while supporting economic transformation through strategic sectors such as marine sciences and the Blue Economy.
“This investment demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to strengthening higher education as a driver of innovation, research and sustainable economic growth, particularly in marine and coastal sectors,” Prof Anangisye said during the press conference held on Tuesday.
The facilities were constructed under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project, implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology with financing from the World Bank.
The project is situated on a 50.24-hectare plot of land owned by the University of Dar es Salaam.
According to the Vice Chancellor, construction of the buildings cost 11bn/- with an additional 746m/- spent on furniture installation.
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The works were carried out by Till Construction Ltd under the supervision of Geometry Consulting Ltd, while Jaffery Ind. Saini Limited was responsible for furniture installation.
The new academic block comprises 41 offices, 10 classrooms, five modern laboratories, a computer laboratory and a 150-seat conference hall. The students’ hostel provides accommodation for 40 students.
He said the laboratories are equipped to support advanced teaching and research in marine chemistry, biology, physics, microbiology, biotechnology and specialised instrumentation.
Prof Anangisye noted that the improved infrastructure will significantly enhance IMS’s capacity to offer certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, produce skilled professionals for both public and private sectors, and promote research-based solutions to challenges such as climate change, coastal management and marine resource utilisation.
He added that the construction phase benefited surrounding communities within Buyu, creating 1,457 jobs and boosting business opportunities for food vendors, suppliers and small-scale traders.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the government, under President Samia’s leadership, for continued investment in higher education, reaffirming the University’s commitment to accountability and efficient use of public resources.
Members of the public and stakeholders have been invited to attend the inauguration ceremony, which is expected to highlight the growing importance of marine sciences, fisheries, tourism, energy and innovation in Tanzania’s development agenda.
