Zanzibar Government on track to upgrade to tarmac level all roads in the Islands

ZANZIBAR: SECOND Vice President (2VP) in Zanzibar government Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has assured residents here that the work of upgrading to tarmac level all roads in the Islands, to facilitate transport, has been going on well.

“Soon our country will have a new look with good roads. Challenges currently being faced by people in transport will soon be an issue of the past,” said Mr Abdulla during the laying of the foundation stone for the upgrading of Mazizini-Chukwani-Maunganui Road, which spans a total of 28.2 Kilometres.

He said that the eighth-phase government is fully committed to improving various infrastructures, including the construction of all urban and rural roads, to strengthen the national economy. The event was among activities to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the glorious Zanzibar Revolution of 1964.

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“The government’s main objective is to ensure that all areas requiring road infrastructure are paved to ease transportation and mobility challenges for people in both urban and rural areas.

The 2VP highlighted that the primary goal of the Zanzibar Revolution is to improve the lives of all citizens, regardless of religion, race, or region, and to provide sustainable development to help them achieve economic empowerment.

Mr Abdulla, “In collaboration with various leaders, we will ensure that the positive progress happening across the country, including road infrastructure development, is promoted and maintained, as roads are a significant driver of economic growth for the people of Unguja and Pemba.”

He urged drivers and other road users to adhere to traffic rules and safety guidelines to prevent unnecessary accidents that cause fatalities, permanent disabilities, and damage to infrastructure built at great expense by the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government for the benefit of all citizens.

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In addition, Mr Hemed condemned divisive sentiments by some individuals who are attempting to instigate hatred and use inapt and odium language, which could threaten the peace that remains one of the most valuable gains of the 1964 Revolution.

He called on all citizens to safeguard, defend, and uphold the revolution for the benefit of current and future generations.

The Zanzibar Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Muhammed, said that the government, led by President Dr Hussein Mwinyi, is determined to address transportation challenges by constructing modern roads, preparing for the construction of rapid railway, and launching a marine/water taxi project to help resolve transportation issues.

Dr. Khalid urged citizens to be patient during this period of ongoing development projects and to cooperate with the contractors working on these projects to help the government achieve its goal of bringing development to the people.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport, Dr Habiba Hassan Omar, said that the Mazizini-Chukwani-Maungani roads are part of the internal road construction project and that it is being constructed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Dr Habiba explained that upon completion, the road construction will cost over USD 21 million dollars, funded by the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. “The project adheres to high standards and quality, with provisions for road maintenance, including stormwater drainage systems, pedestrian pathway, especially for people with special needs, and various road safety signs and markings.