ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has reiterated the role of every citizen to protect the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar to promote national unity and peace for the benefit of the current and future generations.

He made the remarks yesterday during a function to lay a foundation stone for the construction of an immigration office at Mazizini in the outskirts of Unguja as part of the events to mark 60 years of the union.

He said when the building is completed, it will enhance immigration services delivery in Zanzibar city as well as its surrounding areas.

He said immigration services in the area need special attention since Malindi seaport receives more than 20,000 while the main airport receives at least 500,000 people per year.

He said due to the increase in the number of tourists visiting the isles, there is a need to have special offices to accommodate government officials who assist visitors.

“The government will continue to strengthen other infrastructure including roads, hospitals and schools to put in place electronic systems to simplify service delivery,” he said.

Minister for Home Affairs Hamad Yussuf Masauni said the ministry was relieved to see the success of development in the 60 years of the union in many sectors.

He said that with the completion of the immigration building, services for the people of Zanzibar and the visitors will continue to improve.

Masauni talked about the challenges in the digital system for Zanzibar, calling on the immigration department to ensure that it continues to strengthen the efficiency of work and leaders to supervise officers.

The minister said services in the building will also increase revenues considering that Zanzibar is a predominantly tourist economy.

Dr Anna Makakala, Commissioner General of Immigration, commended the government for establishing immigration training college in the country.

On the construction of the building, the commissioner said it will cost 9.9bn/- and will take 19 months, adding that it had reached 55 percent.