Unguja. Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has urged regional and district leaders to leverage the Kizimkazi Festival to identify and promote investment opportunities on the island and to boost tourism attractions.
Speaking at the opening of the 2024 festival on August 18, in Kizimkazi Dimbani, South Unguja Region, Dr Mwinyi emphasised the importance of using the festival as a platform to highlight investment prospects, particularly in the tourism sector.
“The Regional and District Commissioners should utilise this festival to identify and promote various investment opportunities available on the island, especially within the tourism sector, which will help increase tourist arrivals,” Dr Mwinyi stated.
The President underscored that such festivals are crucial not only for the region but for Zanzibar as a whole.
He also assured that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar would continue to work with various stakeholders, especially the private sector, to open up new investment opportunities, recognizing the vital role of the private sector in the national economy.
Dr. Mwinyi commended the banking sector for its support in sponsoring the festival and for its continued contribution to Zanzibar’s economic growth through such events.
In response to challenges highlighted by the Festival Secretary, Hindi Juma Ramadhan, Dr Mwinyi addressed several issues.
He assured that efforts are underway to resolve the electricity shortage affecting the region, with the construction of a major power substation set to alleviate the problem soon.
Regarding water scarcity, Dr Mwinyi mentioned that significant projects are in progress, and once the power station is completed, water supply is expected to improve.
He also noted that land disputes are being addressed.
“We recognise the shortage of health professionals and are actively working on it.
Rest assured, all the mentioned challenges are being thoroughly addressed,” Dr Mwinyi assured.
Arafat Haji, CEO of the People’s Bank of Zanzibar (PBZ), the festival’s main sponsor, highlighted that the bank’s assets have reached TSh 2.2 trillion and continue to grow, contributing significantly to social services.
Festival Chairman Mahfoudh Said Omar reported that the festival has seen considerable success, featuring various cultural activities and development projects.
Additionally, over 500 youths will receive training in agriculture, livestock, tourism, and vocational skills.
The Kizimkazi Festival, which began in 2015 as a farewell event for President Samia Suluhu Hassan following her appointment as running mate to President John Magufuli, has evolved into a celebration known as Kizimkazi Day in 2017.
It was officially established as a festival in 2020.
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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.
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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
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