NARROW roads which traditionally mark the face of Zanzibar city are in the process of being improved.

President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi made this observation here yesterday when inaugurating a 6.5-km road linking Zanzibar airport to Mnazimmoja in the city centre, a critical infrastructure project valued at over $5m. 

Improving transportation in Zanzibar is crucial, he said, affirming that expanding the narrow roads is costly but it is a necessary investment. “That's why we are building roads with two lanes to ease traffic flow,” he stated 

He assured the public that the new infrastructure, with proper drainage systems on road edges, would mitigate flooding in residential areas. 

“Once this work is complete, no homes will be at risk of being flooded due to inadequate drainage,” he said, while urging residents to uphold peace, unity and harmony as the key to achieving sustainable development. 

The completion of the airport road is part of ongoing efforts to transform the Zanzibar urban infrastructure, he said, explaining that the road is part of a broader initiative that includes rebuilding 100.9 kilometres of roads in Unguja Island, while setting out to build elevated roads to minimise congestion.

He asked motorists to stop parking on pedestrian paths, calling it a dangerous habit.

“We have seen irresponsible behaviour where people park on pedestrian walkways and dump debris on roadsides. This must stop,” he said, calling on the regulatory authorities to ensure the roads remain in a good condition.

He stressed the importance of preserving road reserves, cautioning against invasive construction in those areas, as building on road reserves increases the cost of construction by demolition and compensation. 

“People must stop building in these areas to protect our road development projects,” he said, linking the rebuilding with other priority areas, as the main spheres are tourism, infrastructure and social services. 

“We must keep our city clean and well-lit, and all new roads will have streetlights to enhance safety and the environment,” he further noted, while the Infrastructure, Communications and Transport minister Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed elaborated on the projects.

He said that that 86 kilometres of roads, including internal city roads, have been completed, with additional roads expected to be finished by November 2025.

He reflected on initial uncertainty surrounding the construction of the Mnazimmoja Road, highlighting funding doubts as the project began, due to the fact that the old road, built in the 1970s, did not meet modern standards. 

The new road will improve connectivity and contribute to Zanzibar’s economic growth by linking urban and rural areas more effectively, he said.

Dr Habiba Hassan Omar, the principal secretary, said that the completed road is a key component of the 100.9 kilometres of roads initiative, to uplift transportation in Zanzibar.

Idrissa Kitwana Mustafa, the Unguja Urban-West regional commissioner, said that the new road will reduce road accidents and fatalities, making travel safer for all.

The completion of the road is a significant achievement in the government’s efforts to modernise infrastructure, improve transportation and support economic growth, he added.