Z’bar achieves infrastructure milestone

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has marked a historic milestone in its development journey with the inauguration of its first-ever flyover, a project President Hussein Mwinyi described as a defining symbol of progress achieved over 62 years since the Zanzibar Revolution.

Speaking during the official opening of the Hussein Ali Hassan Mwinyi Flyover No 1 at Mwanakwerekwe, the President said the project is tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to developing modern infrastructure that responds to both current and future needs of citizens.

The inauguration of the flyover is part of the celebrations to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution, with the flyover becoming the first elevated road to be constructed in Zanzibar since the Revolution.

“Our election slogan this year is ‘Leadership that leaves a mark’. Today, we have demonstrated this commitment through action. These are the marks we are talking about,” President Mwinyi said.

He noted that the flyover is a strategic infrastructure project aimed at easing traffic congestion in the busy Mwanakwerekwe area, improving road safety and enhancing the smooth movement of people and goods.

The President said sustained government investment in infrastructure is vital, as quality infrastructure forms the backbone of economic growth, investment attraction and the expansion of commercial activities.

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President Mwinyi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue implementing large-scale development projects to improve public welfare and strengthen Zanzibar’s economy. He urged citizens to safeguard and properly use public infrastructure to ensure it benefits both present and future generations.

He also called on residents to support development initiatives by giving way to public projects, assuring them of fair and timely compensation.

“For those who still have doubts, I want to reassure them that the government will pay rightful compensation. No one will be treated unjustly. Development is for the benefit of all,” he said.

The President further warned against encroachment on road reserves, noting that such areas are designated for essential utilities, including water, electricity, telecommunications and pedestrian pathways.

He commended the Ministry of Construction and Transport for its performance in implementing road projects in both urban and rural areas of Unguja and Pemba, expressing satisfaction with how the ministry is executing its dual mandate. He also praised China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for delivering quality road works on schedule.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed lauded President Mwinyi’s leadership, saying the visible achievements reflect the President’s vision and wisdom in implementing the 2020 election manifesto, including the overhaul of the entire road network to modern asphalt standards across Unguja and Pemba.

Dr Khalid said President Mwinyi had pledged to construct two flyovers to address traffic congestion, a promise that is now being fulfilled and will leave a lasting legacy for present and future generations.

West Urban Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Mohammed Ali Abdalla said Zanzibar has written another chapter in the history of the Revolution initiated by the late Mzee Abeid Amani Karume, noting that the islands continue to register progress across multiple sectors.

Presenting technical details, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Construction and Transport, Engineer Ali Said Bakar, said the Mwanakwerekwe Flyover is part of a wider 100.9-kilometre urban roads project, which includes the construction of two flyovers, at Mwanakwerekwe and Amani.

He said construction of Flyover No 1 began on December 1, 2023 and was completed on December 31, 2025, at a total cost of 23.7bn/-.

The structure comprises 48 deep foundation pillars, each three feet wide and embedded 29 to 32 metres underground, two main columns measuring 18 metres wide and supporting pillars 14.4 metres high that carry the entire bridge load. The flyover is fitted with 56 beams, each 17.9 metres long and 1.4 metres thick.

The project also includes approach ramps measuring 240 metres on one side and 230 metres on the other, with the flyover deck extending 71.2 metres in length, an average width of 18 metres and a clearance height of six metres above ground level.

Engineer Ali said the flyover features dual carriageways measuring 8.35 metres each, while the underpass roads are eight metres wide, allowing two vehicles to pass simultaneously. The project also includes drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, a 40-metre-wide roundabout, street lighting and road markings.

The flyover has a load-bearing capacity of up to 70 tonnes and was constructed by CCECC to international standards.