Mwinyi: Zanzibar’s development plans are strong and comprehensive

Unguja. Zanzibar President, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, has reassured the public that the government has robust, effective plans and systems in place to secure funding for extensive development across the island.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the first flyover at Mwanakwerekwe on December 20, 2024, Dr Mwinyi emphasized that the promises made are being delivered, with even larger projects on the horizon.

Responding to critics of the ongoing development, Dr. Mwinyi remarked, “If they think we’re done here, we’re just getting started. There’s something called interchange, and more flyovers are on the way.”

The president expressed disbelief that some critics described the roads as “narrow streets,” saying, “My brothers, good things are coming. We’ve moved from Hussein mabati (roofing sheets) to Hussein maflyovers (flyovers). If they didn’t see it on the ground, they should look up in the sky.”

Dr. Mwinyi also expressed his satisfaction with the progress, saying, “Today, we are here, and I am proud that, for the first time in our island’s history, we are building an overhead road. This is the kind of leadership that leaves a lasting legacy.”

He urged citizens to continue fostering peace and unity to support further development, and to be mindful of the infrastructure by avoiding construction too close to roads, as this could hinder progress.

In a technical briefing, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Communications, and Transport, Makame Haji Machano, provided details about the flyover, which is part of a larger 100.9-kilometer urban road project valued at over $19 million.

He revealed that construction is 80 percent complete, with 48 pillars built—each connecting eight base pillars at the center and 12 base pillars at the start and end of the bridge.

Due to the growing economic activity in Zanzibar and an increase in vehicles, Machano highlighted the challenge of traffic congestion. To address this, the government has allocated Sh2 billion to compensate citizens whose properties were affected by the project.

“Current work includes building the foundations and walls for the car ramps leading up to the flyover,” Machano said.

The flyover will be 72 meters long, with a height of six meters, a width of 18 meters, and two upper lanes each 8.35 meters wide. The lower lanes will be 8 meters wide. The project also includes rainwater drains and pedestrian walkways, designed to accommodate two-way traffic.

Once completed, the flyover will significantly alleviate traffic congestion at the junctions of Mwanakwerekwe and Amani roads.

Minister of Works, Communications, and Transport, Dr. Khalid Mohamed Salum, shared that 897.2 kilometers of roads are being constructed in Unguja and Pemba, as part of the broader 1,344-kilometer official road network.

“Today, we are laying the foundation for our legacy with Zanzibar’s first flyover. We are also working on bridges in Chwaka, Chakawe, and Uzi Ngwamba, each spanning two kilometers,” Dr. Salum concluded.