Unguja. The opposition party, ACT Wazalendo, has expressed grave concerns over Zanzibar’s escalating public debt, deeming it unsustainable and warning of its potential to ensnare citizens in a perpetual cycle of poverty.
Addressing a public rally at the Kilimahewa Grounds in Unguja, on Sunday June 9 the party’s Vice Chairman, Ismail Jussa Ladhu, voiced bewilderment at the government’s accumulation of debt totaling Sh1.1 trillion within just three years of the current administration.
Jussa highlighted the staggering increase in foreign debt, which surged from Sh155.8 billion in 2020 to the current amount, representing a 609.3 percent rise, with little tangible progress to show for it.
He specifically criticised the construction of markets in Mwanakwerekwe, Jumbi, and Chuini, noting that although these markets were intended to be under local government administration, they have been usurped by the central government.
According to him, the original cost estimates for these projects have ballooned significantly beyond the initial projections provided by the contractor.
“The Chuini market was initially budgeted at Sh31 billion, Mwanakwerekwe at Sh29 billion, and Jumbi at Sh13 billion. However, these costs have since escalated from a total of Sh75 billion to Sh102 billion,” remarked Jussa.
He further underscored discrepancies in the costs of construction materials, citing inflated prices compared to prevailing market rates.
For instance, while cement typically sells for Sh17,000 per bag in ordinary shops, the same product is priced at Sh23,000 per bag in these projects. Similarly, iron rods and bars, which typically cost Sh2.5 million per tonne in common hardware shops, are quoted at Sh3.2 million per tonne for these projects.
He was, however, full of praise for the Union President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, whom he said cares a lot for Zanzibar, citing a recent Sh427 billion loan to construct a new referral hospital at Mbinguni, Unguja, which was acquired during the president’s recent visit to South Korea.
Additionally, the party reiterated its readiness to assume governance in 2025, citing the departure of CCM from the principles espoused in the ASP manifesto established by the late Abeid Aman Karume.
Jussa emphasised the foundational importance of freedom, as articulated by Karume in the 1961 ASP election manifesto, which heralded the end of colonial and foreign rule.
Quoting provisions of the Zanzibar constitution, he lamented the failure of the current government to uphold the principles outlined therein, particularly regarding accountability to the public.
Despite the challenges, Jussa affirmed the party’s commitment to fulfilling its constitutional duties and holding the government accountable.
He asserted that the people of Zanzibar are now more discerning and steadfast in rejecting deception.
Regarding CCM’s deviation from ASP principles, Jussa underscored the loss of faith among citizens and emphasised Karume’s legacy of rapid development without incurring massive debts for personal gain.
Mansour Yussuf Himid, a member of the party’s Central Committee, echoed sentiments regarding the importance of equality and unity, emphasising the vision articulated by Maalim Seif against social divisions.
Himid criticised what he called CCM’s divisive tactics and highlighted the imperative of strong leadership principles to foster unity and progress.
Jussa and Himid urged for a return to the values of solidarity and fairness championed by Zanzibar’s elders, rejecting divisive politics and advocating for a future characterised by love, solidarity, and equitable opportunities for all citizens.
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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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