Dar es Salaam, Tanzania:
The Zanzibar government has assured its visitors, travel agents, tour operators, and other trade professionals that the Island nation is safe.
In the statement issued by the Zanzibar Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Simai Mohammed Said confirmed that there is no unrest in Isles and assured that the island is calm, with fine weather, and that both local Zanzibaris and tourists are going about their business as usual.
“The Ministry welcomes visitors with assurance that Zanzibar continues to be a safe and secure destination,” Simai said in a statement.
The statement is a response to what Dutch airline KLM’s statement announced that the airline was cancelling flights to Tanzania due to social unrest.
His remarks emerged as an addition to the statement issued by the government that dismissed false claims being spread by some foreign institutions and companies that there is civil unrest in Tanzania.
A statement was made available on KLM website on Friday (January 27 this year) when communicating the cancellation of flights scheduled to arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport and Kilimanjaro International Airport.
However, on Sunday KLM officially apologised to the government of Tanzania, following the unfounded and baseless claims they issued on Friday, indicating that the country is embroiled in civil unrest.
Minister for Works and Transport, Prof Makame Mbarawa said in a statement released to the media yesterday that the ministry had received an official apology from Air France-KLM Country Manager, Tanzania, Mr Alexander Van de Wint.
Along with the formal apology, KLM informed the Minister that its flights to Zanzibar have resumed with immediate effect, while flights to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro (KL515 AMS-ZNZ-DAR-AMS) will resume today.
Share this news
This Year’s Most Read News Stories
Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
ALSO READ: NBC’s Saving Campaign Empowers Customers Nationwide
Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
Zanzibar land lease controversy with British Developer
Zanzibar investment lease controversy rumbles on after President Hussein Mwinyi claims the land lease was terminated following a court case which the developer lost Contradictory details come to light.Continue Reading
Fast Satellite Internet in Kenya by June
Elon Musk’s satellite Internet firm Starlink announced it will launch in Kenya in the second quarter of this year.Continue Reading
