Unguja. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged Tanzanians to better understand the leasing of islets, emphasizing their significant role in Zanzibar’s long-standing economic development.
While some citizens have questioned whether these islets are being sold, the president clarified that they are, in fact, leased and play an essential role in the island’s growth.
The remarks came on January 7, 2025, during the inauguration of the Bawe Island by Cocoon Collection, a luxury hotel valued at $40 million, located on Bawe Island in the Mjini Magharibi region.
The hotel marks the first major project to open among the 16 islands leased by the government, and the ceremony was part of celebrations to mark 61 years of the Zanzibar Revolution.
President Samia explained that such developments, including the Bawe Hotel, will place Zanzibar on the global stage and attract both tourists and investors.
“There are some who believe these islets have been sold, but this is not the case. They have been leased, and they are contributing to the country’s development. I call on fellow citizens to educate each other about these islets,” President Samia emphasised.
She acknowledged that while these islands have been part of Zanzibar’s history, they were primarily used by fishermen and leisure seekers in the past. Today, however, they represent an invaluable opportunity for investment and growth.
The president also expressed her satisfaction with the timely completion of the Bawe Hotel, which adheres to the established investment guidelines. She highlighted that such projects are a testament to the ongoing success of Zanzibar’s revolution, which fought for the rights of its people.
“The efforts of the revolutionaries, who fought for the rights of our people, have borne fruit. Today, we witness the positive impacts of those struggles,” President Samia said, adding, “We owe our current strength to the work done by our predecessors, and we continue to build on their legacy.”
She also took the opportunity to commend the Zanzibar Investment Authority (ZIPA) for its efforts in fostering a favorable environment for investors.
Meanwhile, President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, issued a stern warning to investors who have leased islands but are yet to start construction.
He announced a three-month ultimatum for the investors to begin development, after which the government will reclaim the islands and lease them to other interested parties.
“We are giving three months to those who have been granted islets. If they do not start development within that time, we will take them back and lease them to others,” Dr Mwinyi said.
In addition, Dr Mwinyi called on the people of Zanzibar to pursue education and acquire the necessary skills to meet the growing demand for workers in the hospitality industry as new hotels continue to be built.
He praised the investor for contributing to local employment, noting that the Bawe Island project has not only created jobs but also helped the local community by offering fish sales at the hotel.
“This is the first hotel project to be inaugurated among the 16 islets leased by the government,” Dr Mwinyi stated.
Zanzibar Investment Authority Executive Director, Saleh Saad Muhamed, revealed that the Bawe Hotel project which cost $42 million is expected to create 400 jobs for local residents.
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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
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On September 14, 2022, the director general of ZAA issued a directive that gave Dnata Zanzibar Aviation Services Limited an exclusive access to the newly constructed Terminal III, barring other operators.Continue Reading
European Union Bans Air Tanzania Over Safety Concerns
Kampala — The European Commission added Air Tanzania to the EU Air Safety List, banning the airline from operating within European Union airspace. This decision follows the denial of Air Tanzania’s Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), citing significant safety deficiencies.
The EU Air Safety List includes airlines that fail to meet international safety standards. Commissioner Tzitzikostas emphasized the importance of passenger safety, stating: “The decision to include Air Tanzania in the EU Air Safety List underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards. We strongly urge Air Tanzania to take swift action to address these safety issues. The Commission has offered its assistance to Tanzanian authorities to enhance safety performance and achieve compliance with international aviation standards.”
Air Tanzania joins several African airlines banned from EU airspace, including carriers from Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, and Kenya. Notable names include Congo Airways, Sudan Airways, and Kenyan carriers Silverstone Air Services and Skyward Express. The ban reflects the EU’s strict approach to aviation safety worldwide.
Source: allafrica.com
