Z’bar reassures fair compensation for Amani flyover project

ZANZIBAR: THE government of Zanzibar has reassured residents affected by the Amani Flyover construction project that it remains committed to fair and transparent compensation, with no intention of shortchanging anyone.

Officials have called for public cooperation to ensure the successful completion of the transformative infrastructure initiative.

Responding to public concerns over discrepancies in compensation figures between the first and second assessment phases, Minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Dr Saada Mkuya Salum and Minister for Infrastructure, Communication and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed said the government is committed to ensure fair compensation to all citizens affected by the project.

While residents compensated during the first phase reportedly received fair payouts assessed by the Chief Government Valuer, grievances arose after a private valuer from Dar es Salaam was hired for the second phase. Some residents claim their properties were undervalued.

Speaking at separate press conferences, the two ministers explained that irregularities had been discovered in the government valuer’s initial assessments, including inflated claims and ghost beneficiaries, which necessitated a more accurate, technologydriven reassessment using 3D mapping.

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“A total of 5.3bn/- has been allocated for compensation. We ask residents to accept the amounts determined while we review all genuine complaints,” said Dr Saada.

Dr Khalid urged dissatisfied residents to submit their complaints formally through district offices, noting that each case would be considered on its merits. “President Hussein Mwinyi listens to his people, no one will be denied their rights,” he added.

The ministers also warned against future construction on road reserves, stating that no compensation will be provided for such developments going forward.

They revealed that 128 people are eligible for compensation in the current phase of the Amani flyover project. The government is exploring sustainable relocation plans, including serviced plots or housing construction to support displaced residents.

Despite assurances, some residents expressed frustration. Mr Abdallah Juma said his two-storey house, valued at 750m/-, was assessed at only 190m/-.

“We support development, but the compensation must match today’s construction costs,” he said.

Another resident, Ms Khadija Amour, said her home was valued at just 6m/-, less than the price of a plot of land.

“Where am I supposed to go with 6m/-? Ms Asha Said Saleh called on President Mwinyi to intervene: “It has been two years since the assessments. We are neither working nor relocated. We support development, but we ask for fair treatment.”