EXTENSIVE repainting of the Stone Town, a project taking off this week, is expected to take nearly three years to complete.

Ali Said Bakari, the  (STCDA) director general, said here yesterday that preparations have been completed for the work to start on schedule, to uplift one of East Africa's most historic and culturally significant areas.

The agency will oversee the revitalisation effort in collaboration with Infinity Group, a leading property development firm, to restore the beauty of Stone Town’s public and private buildings, enhancing the visual appeal of the UNESCO World Heritage site, he said.

 “We are excited to kick off this transformative initiative that will significantly improve the appearance of Stone Town, while also benefiting the local economy,” he said.

The repainting effort follows the successful renovation of the Old Fort, another iconic Zanzibar landmark, with the wider effort expected to generate significant economic benefits by attracting more tourists.

Over 120 people will be employed as part of the project, with local artisans and painters getting the chance to participate in restoring the fleet of more than 2,700 buildings, comprising homes, hotels, shops and restaurants.

Stone Town’s unique architectural heritage has long been a draw for tourists. The town’s coral stone buildings and intricately carved doors represent a blend of African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences. However, decades of weathering have taken their toll, leaving the buildings faded and worn.

Infinity Group chairman Samuel Saba said that the repainting project is aimed at preserving the traditional charm of the area while making it more vibrant and appealing to visitors.

“We’re using environmentally friendly, long-lasting paints that are consonant with UNESCO guidelines and Zanzibar preservation rules,” he stated, elaborating that the project is about both restoring the town’s historical character and injecting it with fresh energy.

The project will create indirect jobs in various sectors, such as transportation, supply chain management and administrative positions, he said, noting that by sourcing most of the workforce locally, its economic benefits will reach a wide cross-section of the community.

Infinity Group has a track record of balancing modern development with cultural preservation, as evidenced by their previous project, Mnazi Mmoja Gardens, a public park that has become a hub for social and recreational activities.

While the painting will revitalize the area’s aesthetics, preserving the authenticity of Stone Town’s historic buildings is uppermost, as the repainting process will involve consultation with heritage experts, urban planners, and the Zanzibar Antiquities Department.

This will ensure compliance with Zanzibar’s rigorous cultural preservation standards, the company executive affirmed, underlining that future generations will be assured of experiencing the beauty of Stone Town as it has always been, “with a vibrant, updated look.”

The repainting of Stone Town is expected to further enhance Zanzibar’s status as a major tourist destination. The rejuvenation of the town, alongside other ongoing restoration efforts such as the Old Fort, will attract more visitors and enrich the cultural experience for those who already visit.

Local tourism professionals are hopeful that the project will enhance the island’s appeal to international and domestic tourists.

Zainab Ally, operating a crafts shop said that residents had seen the positive impact of the Old Fort restoration, and expect the current project to have the same effect.