CCM urges SMZ to allow quarry to continue in South Unguja

Unguja. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has advised the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ) to permit residents of the Central District in South Unguja to continue quarrying activities, which many rely on as their primary means of livelihood.

During a press briefing at the CCM Headquarters in Kisiwandui, Khamis Mbeto Khamis, Secretary of the Special NEC Committee for Zanzibar’s Department of Ideology and Publicity, emphasized that the government should clearly designate specific areas where quarrying would be allowed, not only within the Central District but also in other regions.

This, he said, would help mitigate the potential environmental impact of these activities.

Mbeto stated that as a party committed to the well-being of the people and national development, CCM believes it is important for the SMZ to reconsider its decision and allow residents to continue their quarrying work.

He further noted that the Ministry of Minerals and Energy should take a fresh look at the issue and allow the people of South Unguja to continue their livelihoods without unnecessary disruption.

“CCM is a party that stands for the public good. We will not abandon this cause. Our advice to SMZ is that the people should be allowed to continue quarrying,” Mbeto said.

Additionally, Mbeto suggested that the decision to halt quarrying could be postponed until a clear framework is in place to manage the environmental risks involved.

He also stressed that if residents are displaced from their traditional quarrying areas, they should be offered alternative means of livelihood.

“If new sites for resource extraction are not designated, the communities should be allowed to continue their work until the proper measures are established,” he added.