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.
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Tanzania Confirms Second Marburg Outbreak After WHO Chief Visit
Dar es Salaam — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan has declared an outbreak of Marburg virus, confirming a single case in the northwestern region of Kagera after a meeting with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The confirmation follows days of speculation about a possible outbreak in the region, after the WHO reported a number of deaths suspected to be linked to the highly infectious disease.
While Tanzania’s Ministry of Health declared last week that all suspected cases had tested negative for Marburg, the WHO called for additional testing at international reference laboratories.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”Amelia Clemence, public health researcher
Subsequent laboratory tests conducted at Kagera’s Kabaile Mobile Laboratory and confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one positive case, while 25 other suspected cases tested negative, the president told a press conference in Dodoma, in the east of the country today (Monday).
“The epicentre has now shifted to Biharamulo district of Kagera,” she told the press conference, distinguishing this outbreak from the previous one centred in Bukoba district.
Tedros said the WHO would release US$3 million from its emergencies contingency fund to support efforts to contain the outbreak.
Health authorities stepped up surveillance and deployed emergency response teams after the WHO raised the alarm about nine suspected cases in the region, including eight deaths.
The suspected cases displayed symptoms consistent with Marburg infection, including headache, high fever, diarrhoea, and haemorrhagic complications, according to the WHO’s alert to member countries on 14 January. The organisation noted a case fatality rate of 89 per cent among the suspected cases.
“We appreciate the swift attention accorded by the WHO,” Hassan said.
She said her administration immediately investigated the WHO’s alert.
“The government took several measures, including the investigation of suspected individuals and the deployment of emergency response teams,” she added.
Cross-border transmission
The emergence of this case in a region that experienced Tanzania’s first-ever Marburg outbreak in March 2023 has raised concerns about cross-border transmission, particularly following Rwanda’s recent outbreak that infected 66 people and killed 15 before being declared over in December 2024.
The situation is particularly critical given Kagera’s position as a transport hub connecting four East African nations.
Amelia Clemence, a public health researcher working in the region, says constant vigilance is required.
“We never know when an outbreak might occur in a neighbouring nation. So we ensure infection prevention control assessments at every point of care as routine as a morning greeting at our workplaces.”
The Kagera region’s ecosystem, home to fruit bats that serve as natural reservoirs for the Marburg virus, adds another layer of complexity to disease surveillance efforts.
The virus, closely related to Ebola, spreads through contact with bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhagic fever.
Transparency urged
Elizabeth Sanga, shadow minister of health for Tanzania’s ACT Wazalendo opposition party, says greater transparency would help guide public health measures.
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“This could have helped to guide those who are traveling to the affected region to be more vigilant and prevent the risk of further spread,” she said.
WHO regional director for Africa Matshidiso Moeti says early notification of investigation outcomes is important.
“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” she said, noting that existing national capacities built from previous health emergencies could be quickly mobilised.
The situation coincides with leadership changes in Tanzania’s Ministry of Health, with both the chief medical officer and permanent secretary being replaced.
This piece was produced by SciDev.Net’s Sub-Saharan Africa English desk.
Source: allafrica.com
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