Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo kicked off the second round of their rallies in Zanzibar on Saturday, following the completion of delegates’ conferences in both Unguja and Pemba.
Speaking at a rally in Bububu, the party’s Vice Chairman for Zanzibar, Ismail Jussa Ladhu, declared their unwavering commitment to ousting the ruling party in the next general election.
The outspoken politician criticised various sectors where he claimed that governance was still lacking in Zanzibar, leading to the mismanagement of state resources.
He highlighted the recent proposed budget speech delivered by Minister of Works, Communications, and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, where the ports authority estimated total revenue of Sh37.9 billion for the year, with expenditures reaching Sh77.4 billion.
“The rest of the Sh40 billion is going to be realized by taking a loan. Now, what was the essence of bringing in an investor who is being praised for improving efficiency at the port management, yet Zanzibaris will still have to foot the bills?” he questioned.
The Vice Chairman also raised concerns about the Pemba Airport expansion and various road construction projects in both Unguja and Pemba, which he claimed had stalled due to contractual disputes pending determination in court.
“Last year, the union government granted Zanzibar a sovereign guarantee for the first time, allowing us to borrow over Sh1 trillion from the UK Export Finance (UKEF) to expand the Pemba Airport. But, as you might have heard, this project has come to a grinding halt because of political interference, pending a court ruling,” he said.
He emphasized that it is a project meant to unlock Pemba’s potential but is being mismanaged for personal gains, without delving into details on what had befallen the joint venture between the two companies that were awarded the tender.
In January, it was reported that the two companies were in a dispute, with the High Court in Zanzibar issuing an order to stop the implementation of the project.
Also speaking at the rally was the party’s National Chairman, Othman Massoud Othman, who stated that the people of Zanzibar are awake and cannot regress to darkness again.
“Most of the issues that we have been talking about resonate with all of them irrespective of their party affiliations, and that is why they are ready to support our journey towards achieving a new Zanzibar,” he said.
He added; “I think it was godsent for some of us to leave the government so that we may speak about some of these ills that continue to bedevil our country.”
Just like at the previous meeting with party delegates in Dunga, he reiterated that should their party come to power, all those who stole state resources would be brought to face justice.
Share this news
This Year's Most Read News Stories
Ground handling firms in Zanzibar start cutting jobs
ZAT and Transworld, companies providing ground handling services at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, have to lay off workers to stay afloat.Continue Reading
Tanzania’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.
The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who have served with dedication and integrity.
Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.
The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.
“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.
To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.
The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.
In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.
Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.
The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.
Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.
Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.
Currently, those who are eligible for benefits under this policy include Juma Duni Haji (retired party Chairman) and Zitto Kabwe (retired party leader).Continue Reading
Elon Musk’s company to launch internet in Tanzania
Elon Musk’s Starlink internet service is expected to be available in Tanzania in the first quarter of 2023, with analysts saying the new development will boost the digital economy.Continue Reading
