Z’bar Maruhubi Port project signals new era

ZANZIBAR: AS fishermen, traders and commuters gathered along the Maruhubi shoreline, hope was visible on their faces, that the sea which has sustained generations of Zanzibaris is about to open a new chapter of opportunity.

That optimism was echoed on the ground as Zanzibar’s Second Vice-President (2VP), Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, recently laid the foundation stone for the Maruhubi (Mpigaduri) Passenger and Cargo Port, a flagship project aimed at transforming Zanzibar into a regional hub for trade, tourism and the blue economy.

Representing the President of Zanzibar Dr Hussein Mwinyi, the Second VP said the project reflects the government’s long-term vision of harnessing ocean resources to accelerate economic growth and position Zanzibar as a strategic gateway in East Africa and the Indian Ocean region.

Mr Hemed said the Maruhubi Port is designed to become the first “Triport” in East Africa, integrating passenger ships, water taxis and seaplanes, alongside a modern bus terminal, a five-star hotel and a commercial complex, all intended to stimulate business growth and tourism.

He added that the port is being constructed using modern, high-quality infrastructure, including advanced security systems, international-standard passenger terminals and expanded capacity to handle vehicles and cargo efficiently.

Once completed, the port is expected to handle an average of 5,000 passengers per day, significantly easing congestion at Malindi Port, improving marine transport services and boosting tourism and commercial activity.

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According to the Second Vice-President, the project is expected to generate about 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, enhance local skills, improve Zanzibar’s global image and create a more attractive environment for investors.

He urged citizens to continue supporting government initiatives and to protect and maintain public infrastructure for the benefit of current and future generations.

Meanwhile, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohammed, said the government of Zanzibar is committed to upgrading all urban and rural roads to asphalt standards as part of strengthening the transport sector.

He said the government is also planning to expand and modernise ports across Unguja and Pemba, recognising marine transport as a critical gateway into the islands.

Dr Khalid further pledged to transform the Maruhubi area by constructing a fourlane road aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving access to the port. Presenting technical details, Zanzibar Ports Corporation (ZPC) Director General, Mr Akif Ali Khamis, said the Maruhubi (Mpigaduri) Port project is expected to cost over 350 million US dollars (about 875bn/-) upon completion.

The project is being developed by ZF Devco, constructed and supervised by Multistruct Building Construction Co. Ltd from the Netherlands as the consulting engineer. Mr Akif said once completed expected by late January, the port will have the capacity to serve more than five million passengers annually, creating major economic opportunities through increased trade flows.

For his part, ZF Devco Managing Director, Mr Matthew Vander Borgh, commended the Second VicePresident for his leadership in ensuring the project meets national and international standards.

He said upon completion, the port will usher in a major transformation of Zanzibar’s transport and logistics sector, positioning it as one of the largest and most advanced ports in East Africa, enhancing Zanzibar’s international profile and contributing significantly to national income.