Zanzibar expands health, infrastructure projects
ZANZIBAR: THE government of Zanzibar has pledged to expand healthcare services and improving strategic infrastructure across Unguja and Pemba to enhance public services and spur economic growth.
Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla made the remarks while inspecting development projects in Mkoani District, South Pemba, including the Mtambile Health Centre, Mkoani Port passenger terminal and the Likoni fish landing site.
He said the Mtambile Health Centre will ease access to medical services for residents who have long travelled considerable distances for treatment, particularly expectant mothers and children.
The facility is expected to serve five shehias currently relying on Chonga Health Centre and Abdalla Mzee Hospital. Mr Hemed added that it will also create employment opportunities for health professionals and local residents.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Mngereza Mzee Miraji said the government will ensure the facility is fully equipped with medical personnel, diagnostic equipment, medicines and other essential supplies once construction is completed.
A consulting engineer from the Zanzibar Building Agency (ZBA), Eng Juma Khalid Said, said the 3.3bn/- project is expected to be completed by September this year. He appealed for speedy compensation to affected residents to enable contractors to complete the remaining work on schedule.
While inspecting the Mkoani Port passenger terminal, Mr Hemed directed authorities to digitalise all port operations to improve efficiency, enhance revenue collection and eliminate leakages.
He also urged the Zanzibar Ports Corporation to install modern, internationally compliant screening equipment to strengthen security and improve service delivery.
Pemba Ports Director, Abdulla Salim Abdulla, said ongoing investments in modern surveillance systems and port infrastructure have improved transport and logistics services.
He said the upgraded port had received at least 48 large international container ships by March this year, creating employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
The Second Vice-President also inspected the construction of the modern Likoni fish landing site in Kengeja village, where he directed the contractor, Scenic C&C Company, to ensure the facility is fully equipped to support safe and efficient fishing activities.
He further urged residents to cooperate with government land acquisition processes, assuring them that compensation would be paid promptly.
The tour also covered the Mizingani-Wambaa Road, Mtambile-Kangani Road, Kengeja water pipeline project and the multi-storey Kengeja Secondary School, with Mr Hemed reiterating the government’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and service delivery across Zanzibar.
