ACT-Wazalendo criticized political interference for stalling major development projects in a recent public meeting held on July 21, 2024, at Mwenge Stadium in Makunduchi, South Unguja. The party argues that political meddling has led to the delay of projects worth billions of shillings, impacting the timely delivery of public works.
Ismail Jussa, the Deputy Chairman of ACT-Zanzibar, addressed attendees, highlighting that the construction of the Pemba Airport is among the projects affected by political interference. He pointed out that delays in the project are due to political issues surrounding the contracts between the companies involved.
In June 2023, the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar (SMZ) signed a contract with UK Export Financing for $428 million (approximately TZS 1.01 trillion) to expand Pemba Airport and build various road networks in Unguja and Pemba. However, the construction has not yet commenced due to conflicts between the companies.
Funding for these projects is supported by Citibank London and Deutsche Bank London, backed by the UK Government through the UK Export Finance (UKEF). On January 10, 2024, the Zanzibar High Court issued a temporary injunction halting project development while legal disputes between the companies are resolved.
The disputes include allegations of mismanagement by shareholders, political interference, and failure to adhere to contractual terms. Despite attempts to resolve the conflicts outside of court, issues persist.
The contracts for the projects were approved and signed by the Zanzibar Government in September 2022 and January 2023. The projects include the 48-kilometer Tunguu-Makunduchi Road in South Unguja, the 12-kilometer Kisauni-Fumba Road in the Urban West Region, and the 43.5-kilometer Mkoani-Chake Chake Road in Pemba.
Jussa emphasized the financial implications of these delays. “These are borrowed funds that must be repaid. We cannot ignore these issues as they harm the nation. Those responsible will be held accountable when ACT-Wazalendo assumes power,” he said.
Government spokesperson Charles Hilary directed inquiries to Dr. Muhamed Khalid Salum, the Minister of Construction, Transport, and Communication. Efforts to contact Dr. Salum by phone were unsuccessful, and he did not respond to text messages.
In response to questions raised during the 2024/25 budget discussions at the Zanzibar House of Representatives, Dr. Khalid indicated that there were ongoing negotiations between the project execution companies. He stated that the project remains within the contractual framework and is expected to commence in July this year.
Meanwhile, ACT-Wazalendo’s national chairman, Othman Masoud, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to democratic processes and emphasized the right of citizens to choose their leaders. He urged the people of Zanzibar, particularly in the South, to support ACT-Wazalendo in the upcoming elections to foster leadership change and economic growth.
Masoud criticized ongoing electoral malpractices, including early voting schemes and denial of identification cards, which he said undermine democratic participation. He urged citizens to educate themselves and prevent efforts that hinder democratic progress.
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