ACT-Wazalendo’s Claims on Pemba Airport Disputed by Zanzibar Officials
The Zanzibar government has addressed recent criticisms from the ACT-Wazalendo party regarding the construction of the Pemba International Airport and road projects. The Ministry of Construction, Communications, and Transport has countered these claims, asserting that the accusations are intended to create discord between the government and the public.
ACT-Wazalendo leaders have raised concerns about alleged mismanagement of the road and airport projects during public meetings in Unguja and Pemba. Ismail Jussa, the Deputy Chairman of ACT-Wazalendo Zanzibar, claimed that political interference is causing delays in the Pemba airport construction due to issues with project contracts.
In June 2023, the Government of Zanzibar signed a $428 million (1.01 trillion Tanzanian Shillings) contract with UK Export Financing to expand Pemba Airport and develop road networks in Unguja and Pemba. However, on January 10, 2024, the High Court of Zanzibar issued a temporary order halting the project due to a legal dispute between the involved companies.
On August 8, 2024, Dr. Khalid Salum Mohamed, the Minister of Construction, Communications, and Transport, addressed these allegations. He urged the public to disregard what he described as politically motivated misinformation.
Regarding the Wete-Chake Chake road project, Dr. Mohamed clarified that it is part of a broader initiative to construct three roads with funding from the Saudi Development Fund and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (Badea). The first phase of this project included the construction of the Wete-Gando (11 km) and Wete-Konde (15 km) roads, completed by the contractor Mecco in 2013. The second phase involves building the Chake Chake-Wete road, which is 22.1 km long.
A loan agreement for the Chake Chake-Wete road was signed with the Saudi Fund on April 19, 2020. According to Dr. Mohamed, project implementation begins once initial conditions for the use of the loan funds are met. The contract with Mecco was finalized on February 14, 2022, following the fulfillment of these conditions by the Tanzanian government. The contract is scheduled to conclude by August 14, 2024.
Dr. Mohamed noted that as of June 2024, physical progress on the project was under 30%. Challenges such as insufficient and outdated equipment and a shortage of skilled workers have affected the project’s progress. He dismissed the political accusations as baseless, pointing out that local residents are aware of the contractor’s challenges.
Concerning payment delays, Dr. Mohamed explained that initial payments were made as per the contract to enable the contractor to prepare for project execution. Despite delays in completing initial tasks, subsequent payments were made. The third payment was delayed by 160 days due to dissatisfaction with the contractor’s progress. This delay was caused by the funding agencies, not the government.
Dr. Mohamed also addressed compensation for land and property affected by the project, stating that 95% of eligible claims have been paid according to legal procedures. He assured that the project area with compensation payments is sufficient for the contractor to proceed with over 90% of the work.
Regarding the airport project, Dr. Mohamed confirmed that an agreement was reached on April 18, 2024, with PROPAV to undertake the construction, with the involvement of the Ministry of Finance and the Zanzibar government. Final procedures are being completed to commence the project.
On other road projects, including the Tunguu-Makunduchi and Mkoani-Chake Chake roads, Dr. Mohamed explained that these, along with the Fumba-Kisauni road (12 km), were financed by a loan from UKEF. Due to disagreements between PROPAV and Mecco, PROPAV will handle the Mkoani-Chake Chake road while Mecco will focus on the Tunguu-Makunduchi and Fumba-Kisauni roads.
Dr. Mohamed assured that all projects, including the Pemba Airport and road developments, will proceed as planned with no reports of project cancellations.
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