THE Zanzibar Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority (STCDA) has announced a plan to paint all 2,711 buildings within the protected area of Stone Town, including those slated for major repairs.

Ali Said Bakari, the STCDA director general, set out this initiative here yesterday as part of the schedule for the year’s Stone Town bonanza, starting today and concluding on December 2 at Forodhani Park.

Stone Town Day is held annually on December 2, to raise awareness on the conservation and development of the Stone Town of Zanzibar, with Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi expected to preside over the climax of the event, he said.

It marks a milestone in the preservation of Zanzibar’s cultural heritage, after being set up in 2021 by President Mwinyi, to commemorate the historical significance of Zanzibar’s Stone Town and promote ongoing conservation and development efforts.

December 2 was the day in 2000 when the Stone Town was inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site, while this year’s celebrations will include the launch of a major campaign to paint all the buildings in the conserved area.

The repainting effort will be conducted thanks to the support of Infinity Company, the director noted, underlining that the initiative aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Stone Town while preserving its unique architectural heritage.

The festivities, themed “Dr Mwinyi: The Light of the Heritage Stone Town”, will feature a range of activities, including the launch of online services for visitors, a traditional ‘makachu’ diving competition at Forodhani Park, and an exhibition showcasing Zanzibar’s rich cultural heritage.

Other highlights of the event include tours of newly established gardens, an update on the progress of the Judiciary Museum at the historic court building at Vuga, and plans for the development of a cemetery museum.

The celebrations coincides with the global 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, running from November 25 to December 10, with this alignment underscoring the event’s commitment to raising awareness on various social issues while celebrating the cultural richness of Zanzibar.

Mohamed Bajubeir, a member of the organizing committee, highlighted the importance of the event in raising public awareness about the ongoing improvements on the heritage site, evolving as a cultural and historical hub.

Recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding universal value, Stone Town’s cultural diversity, architectural heritage and historical significance in Indian Ocean maritime trade and the abolition of the slave trade underscore its global importance, he added.