Z’bar VP inaugurates JKU housing project

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar government has introduced major operational reforms within the SMZ Forces to boost efficiency and improve working conditions for officers and troops, Second Vice-President (2VP) Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has said.

He made the remarks on Thursday while laying the foundation stone for residential houses for officers and soldiers of the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Army (JKU) at Ng’ambwa, Chake Chake District, Pemba.

Since the Zanzibar Revolution, Abdulla noted, significant progress has been recorded in various sectors, including education, health, clean water and infrastructure, benefiting residents of both Unguja and Pemba.

The Vice-President said that the completion of the housing project will greatly improve the working conditions and security of officers and soldiers, in line with the vision of President Dr Hussein Mwinyi to provide decent living environments for all personnel.

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He urged JKU members to adopt new technologies and modern economic practices while maintaining discipline, unity and integrity, warning against corruption, negligence and abuse of authority.

The VP also directed JKU leadership to ensure timely provision of welfare benefits to motivate personnel. Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Special Departments, Idrisa Kitwana Mustafa, said the project demonstrates JKU’s commitment to addressing housing shortages and improving operational environments for its personnel.

Permanent Secretary Issa Mahfoudh revealed that JKU is implementing more than 20 development projects across Unguja and Pemba under the Eighth Phase Government, including the construction of two G+2 apartment blocks comprising 30 housing units.

JKU Commander Makame Abdalla Daima said the government allocated over 14 bn/- in the last financial year for JKU projects, covering offices, schools, dormitorie and residential housing.