ZANZIBAR’s Minister of State, President’s Office-Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance, Haroun Ali Suleiman, has emphasised the importance of maintaining road infrastructure in the Isles to ensure its long-term durability and usefulness.

According to him, roads that are currently being constructed in Zanzibar were a significant step for the development of the isles.

He made the remarks during the inauguration of the Kidimni-Ubago road, which stretches for 4.3 kilometres which is part of the celebrations marking 61 years since the Zanzibar Revolution, is expected to facilitate both social and economic activities on the islands.

Minister Haroun further explained that the government is continuing its efforts to build 275.9 kilometres of internal roads across Unguja and Pemba, at a cost of $80,300,000, funded by the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government. 

The project, which spans 40 months, includes 140.95 kilometres in Unguja and 134.95 kilometres in Pemba.

He urged motorists to exercise caution while using these roads and to follow traffic signs to help prevent the frequent accidents that occur.

Makame Machano Haji, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Communication and Transport, provided a technical update, explaining that the Kidimni-Ubago road connects the southern and northern regions of Unguja.

Contractors from the IRIS and MAWI companies completed the project, which began in November of this year.

The Regional Commissioner for South Unguja, Ayoub Mohammed, stated that the Kidimni road project is one of 16 strategic initiatives marking the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.

It is part of the implementation of the ruling CCM party’s 2020/2025 manifesto, which aims to drive national development and transformation.

Uzini Member of Parliament, Khamis Hamza Khamis, urged all citizens to appreciate and take care of the road, which will ease various social activities for the people of Kidimni and Tanzanians at large.

“The government’s goal is to improve and bring sustainable development to the nation under the eighth phase of President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s administration.

Therefore, let us be patriotic by taking care of our environment and the infrastructure around us, as this will benefit us all,” said Khamis, who is also the Deputy Minister for Environment and the Union.