THE opposition-ACT Wazalendo has alleged that the procedure of leasing small islands in Zanzibar to private investors had elements of corruption and needs to be worked on to electrify the situation.

Party’s vice chairman, Ismail Jussa Ladhu made the allegation here yesterday when addressing a public rally at the Kata Tango grounds in the Mkoani constituency, Pemba South Region.

He alleged that some government leaders reportedly bypass official channels to demand personal gains from investors.

He said the party has already gathered crucial information, which will be made public shortly for the benefit of Zanzibar and its citizens, in line with the Zanzibar Constitution of 1984, which requires citizens to protect the country’s resources.

“You cannot truly care about Zanzibar if you do not have its origin, it is the citizens themselves who should stand firm to protect their country’s resources,” Jussa emphasised.

He further noted that the tourism sector in Zanzibar, a key pillar of the economy, has been struggling but President Samia Suluhu Hassan, demonstrating her commitment to Zanzibar, allocated 230bn/- to support various sectors.

“This is just a small example of what we can achieve while outside of power. Once we are into power, we will accomplish a number of greater things,” he said.

Jussa also highlighted that the markets being built in Zanzibar are not following proper planning, resulting in some of them remaining unused by traders even after spending a lot of funds.

Othman Masoud Othman, ACT Wazalendo chairman (Zanzibar) said that during his 25 years of service within the government, he has gained a thorough understanding of the union issues.

According to Othman, he participated in 25 committees and over 300 meetings related to union matters, apart from being a member of the Joint Financial Commission.

He added that addressing the union issues requires courage, as resolving these concerns could unlock Zanzibar’s economic potential once they are removed from the Tanganyika-Zanzibar union system.

Prof Omar Fakihi, ACT Wazalendo Central Committee member recalled the significant words of the late Zanzibar President Aboud Jumbe Mwinyi on the importance of national development and democracy.

“Jumbe said you cannot achieve national development without having land, people, good politics, and good leadership. While these elements are present, the challenge lies in having effective leadership,” he stated.

He cited Singapore, as a country with a population of 6 million people and a land area smaller than Pemba, yet it has made substantial developmental progress due to adhering to the four criteria mentioned by Mzee Jumbe during his lifetime.