They say the move when effected will affect the employees who currently work with two ground handling companies ZAT and Transworld at the AAKIA
The adherents began saying the special prayers soon after the Friday prayers at the Abuu Hanifa Mosque led by Sheikh Abdalla Ali Khamis and several other senior Muslim clerics in Pemba
Sheikh Khamis Said they had received news that more than 600 employees are on the verge of losing their jobs after the Dubai Company was appointed as the sole ground handling company at the airport’s Terminal 3 building with effect from December 1.
“In circumstances like this we raise our hands to Allah, and pray fellow Zanzibaris who are on the verge of losing their jobs,” said Sheikh Khamis.
For his part, Sheikh Othman Mohammed said the time has come for the government to take steps to address the conflict that has arisen between the Service Providers and the Zanzibar Airport Authority (ZAA) in the interest of Zanzibar and its citizens.
He said that existing ground handlers ZAT and Transworld for many years have been providing services AAKIA and there were no complaints from passengers or airlines.
“We ask the government to reconsider ZAA’s decision because our youth will be the ones who will lose their jobs and in the process affect their families,” said Sheikh Haji Shaaban.
Speaking after the Friday prayers at the same mosque, human rights activist Mr. Ali Makame Issa said they were shocked by reports of 600 people losing their jobs in Zanzibar.
He told the congregation that the Dubai owned company was appointed as the only service provider in Terminal 3 without a tender being floated something that is against the fair competition law of Zanzibar.
Mr. Issa has said that ZAA reached the decisions without taking into consideration that ZAT has a concession agreement which runs for a period of 30 years, an agreement that took effect in 2000.
Share this news
This Year’s Most Read News Stories
Tanzania: Samia Hands Over NBC’s 354m/ – Crop Insurance Compensation to Farmers Affected By Hailstorms
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has handed over a cheque of 354m/- from the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) as compensation to tobacco farmers, who were affected by hailstorms during the previous farming season in various regions across the country.
Handing over the cheque in Dodoma, the compensation is part of the crop insurance service provided by NBC in collaboration with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Furthermore, President Samia has also handed over health insurance coverage to members of the Lindi Mwambao Cooperative Union based in Lindi Region, through the Farmers’ Health Insurance service provided by the bank in partnership with Assurance Insurance Company.
While visiting the bank’s pavilion at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition and being received and briefed by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Theobald Sabi, she said: “This crop insurance is one of the crucial solutions in ensuring farmers have a reliable income, without fear of challenges such as natural disasters, including hailstorms.
“I call upon all farmers in the country to make the best use of this important opportunity by accessing these kinds of insurance services. I also highly commend NBC and all the stakeholders participating in this programme.”
Elaborating further on the crop insurance service, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, stated that it will help to recover the loss farmers incurred, especially in various calamities beyond their control.
Citing them as floods, fires, and hailstorms, which have significantly affected the well-being of farmers and caused some to be reluctant to invest in the crucial sector, Mr Bashe added: “However, our President, this step by NBC is just the beginning, as this is the second year since they started offering this service, and the results are already visible.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
“As the government, we promise to continue supporting the wider implementation of this service, with the goal of ensuring that this crop insurance service reaches more farmers.”
ALSO READ: NBC participates in TFF 2023/24 awards, promises to enhance competition
On his part, Mr Sabi said that the farmers who benefited from the compensations are from 23 primary cooperative unions in the regions of Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Mbeya, Katavi, and Kigoma.
He added: “In addition to these insurance services, as a bank, through this exhibition, we have continued with our programme of providing financial education and various banking opportunities to farmers, alongside offering them various loans, including loans for agricultural equipment, particularly tractors, to eligible farmers.:
At the NBC booth, President Samia also had the opportunity to be briefed on the various services offered by the bank to the farmers namely crop insurance and health insurance services.
There, the President had the chance to speak with some of the beneficiaries of the services, including the Vice-Chairman of the Lindi Mwambao Primary Cooperative Union, Mr. Hassan Mnumbe, whose union has been provided with a health insurance card from the bank.
Source: allafrica.com
Concerns mount over Zanzibar new $44 travel insurance fee
Tour operators, hoteliers, tourists, and tourism stakeholders are raising alarms over Zanzibar’s new mandatory $44 travel insurance fee, set to take effect on September 1.Continue Reading
New lawsuit as Zanzibar airport controversy continues
Another company joins the list as they file a petition challenging the exclusive rights granted to Dnata by Zanzibar Airports Authority.Continue Reading
