Unguja. The opposition party ACT-Wazalendo in Zanzibar has stated that Pemba Island owes its current infrastructure to former President Amani Karume, who made a deliberate effort to develop the island.
At a rally held at Jazira Grounds in Mtoni, the party’s Vice Chairman, Ismail Jussa Ladhu, criticised the stalled progress of the Wete-Chake road project.
He attributed the continued delay to internal government issues that aimed at replacing local contractor, Mecco who had constructed the other two roads.
“On January 4, 2021, a letter from the Ministry of Finance instructed the Ministry of Works to restart the process of selecting a new contractor. However, the Saudi Fund and Badea refused, stating that the project was already contracted,” he said.
Jussa added, “In December, a delegation from the Kuwait Fund,Badea and the Saudi Fund visited here. The agreement was that by January, compensation for the road corridor should have been paid to the affected poor people. The government was supposed to apply for a loan review by December but failed to do so in which the disbursement has suspended leading to non-payment to the contractor.
He asserted that no country can progress if it is plagued by theft, corruption, and leaders who are not accountable to their people.
At the same rally, ACT-Wazalendo Chairman Othman Masoud Othman said that true peace on the islands remains elusive, and what is currently observed is merely silence.
He stressed that the party seeks genuine peace and the dignity of Zanzibaris through economic development and progress within Zanzibar.
Othman clarified that ACT advocates for real peace by calling for leadership based on civility, accountability, and justice.
“We are not fighting for positions. We are demanding that our country be governed on principles of civility, justice, and peace. For us, peace in Zanzibar means a thriving economy. What we have now is silence,” he said.
He emphasized that the party is striving for autonomy over its own affairs, arguing that it is impossible to govern effectively when lacking authority over 41 issues.
Othman also criticized the National Unity Government, highlighting that Zanzibar has suffered from deaths, disabilities, and left behind widows and orphans. He noted that the late Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad joined the national government under challenging conditions to advance Zanzibar’s interests.
However, he pointed out that issues of corruption and manipulation have continued in bi-elections in Pandani, Konde, and Mtambwe.
He cited evidence of an ACT candidate being given a fake ID to appear as if they had two identifications, leading to disqualification, but no action was taken despite reporting the issue.
Othman urged Zanzibaris to seize the opportunity to reflect, support the party, and ensure fair elections while combating corruption to bring genuine justice and democracy to Zanzibar.
Mansour Yussuf Himid, a member of the party’s Central Committee, stated that Zanzibaris want to live in a hopeful country and must unite to bring about change and have leaders accountable to the people.
He emphasized the need for leadership that values people’s dignity and is committed to economic development and democratic prosperity.
Juma Said Sanani, also a member of the party’s Central Committee, urged elders in Zanzibar to remember their role in educating the youth to support the party in advocating for justice, equality, and improved job opportunities in the country.
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