ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi launched the Presidential Delivery Bureau (PDB) here on Friday, directing all ministries, departments and public institutions to work as a team towards the common goal.
“PDB is here not to take over your tasks but to identify obstacles, identify resource scarcity and accelerate implementation of development programmes for wananchi,” Dr Mwinyi told government officers at a brief PDB launching ceremony at Vuga-based State House.
He said the government has identified four priority sectors—blue economy; tourism; infrastructure; and social development—for speedy and efficient implementation of the 2020 general election pledges to wananchi.
“We need instant outcomes, but success requires measurable priorities and targets,” President Mwinyi said, underscoring the need for firm plans and close follow ups in all public projects.
Dr Mwinyi further explained that the bureau’s key task is to ensure execution of the identified priorities on the most appropriate time, “They are here to speed up project implementation; not to assume the responsibilities of the government.”
He demanded team work and warned against ‘as usual’ syndrome in public service. “We are determined to build Zanzibar of our dreams; we have to learn from others and accept help where necessary,” he said.
High quality and efficiency service delivery in education, water and health is the key focus of the government, President Mwinyi said, expressing optimism over the bureau.
He implored all islanders to support PDB whose existence, he said: “Is to ensure I effectively deliver as per my pledges to wananchi.”
UN Development Programme (UNDP) Country Representative Christine Musisi reaffirmed her office’s keenness to cooperate with the revolutionary government in serving wananchi.
She appreciated the establishment of the bureau as an appropriate move towards serving wananchi. “The goal is to provide services to wananchi more efficiently and at the right time…supportive environment is inevitable,” she said.
The head of UN development agency in the country commended President Mwinyi for his exemplary leadership in the past two years, saying: “UNDP is proud to work closely with you for the best interest of Zanzibaris.”
Senior government executives from ministries, government departments and public institutions attended special training on PDB on Thursday ahead of yesterday launch.
Minister of State, State House, Jamal Kassim Ali, opening the training described the dose as highly important in enlightening government executives on the bureau’s goals, responsibilities and the way it will perform its duties.
He said PDB will administer all issues related to implementation of the priorities of the government plans and priorities.
Speaking at the training session, PDB Deputy Chief Executive Officer Dr Josephine Kimaro underscored the need for close cooperation in implementation of the identified priorities, arguing that execution of some projects involves more than one ministry.
