The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in Zanzibar has urged for greater accountability in the implementation of government development projects. CCM Zanzibar Deputy Secretary-General, Abdi Mahmoud Abdi, made the remarks during a tour of North Unguja, where he inspected projects and met with party members and residents. He emphasized that public investments must deliver better services and economic opportunities for citizens. The tour aimed to assess grassroots party structures and monitor development project implementation.
Abdi Mahmoud Abdi expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Fungurefu fish processing factory and market project, which is 86 per cent complete. He commended district authorities and project managers for effective supervision, ensuring the project is on schedule for completion by October 30, 2026. Abdi directed the Municipal Council to prepare for operating the new facilities by developing business plans, contracts, and arrangements for traders. This will enable a smooth transition once the project is handed over.
During the tour, residents and CCM members raised concerns over inadequate water supply, poor education, and road infrastructure, as well as youth unemployment. Deputy Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Khadija Salum Ali, addressed some of these concerns, stating that land had been allocated for a proposed school. Construction experts will assess the site before the project is incorporated into the ministry's plans. Ali also encouraged qualified residents to apply for 2,000 education-sector vacancies advertised by the government.
Abdi Mahmoud Abdi questioned the intermittent water supply on Tumbatu Island, despite government investment in a project intended to solve the problem. He directed the minister responsible for water to convene a special meeting to identify the cause of the issue and find a quick solution. The CCM party's tour is part of its program to assess grassroots party structures and monitor development project implementation across North Unguja and Tumbatu.
Project engineer Hamid Katwe attributed the initial slow progress of the Fungurefu project to financial constraints and shortages of locally sourced construction materials. However, improved cash flow has enabled the project to enter its finishing stage. Katwe noted that construction of 40 additional shops remained a challenge. Abdi Mahmoud Abdi urged authorities to prioritize traders who previously operated in the area when allocating shops.
The CCM party's emphasis on accountability and effective project implementation is crucial in addressing the concerns of residents and ensuring that public investments deliver desired outcomes. The party's tour highlighted the need for closer monitoring and evaluation of development projects to ensure they meet their intended objectives. By doing so, the government can ensure that public resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.
The CCM party's call for tighter project accountability is a significant step towards ensuring that government development projects are implemented efficiently and effectively. The party's efforts to engage with residents and monitor project implementation demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability. Key stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government's response to these concerns unfolds.
Key points
- CCM Zanzibar demands stronger oversight and accountability in government development projects.
- The Fungurefu fish processing factory and market project is 86 per cent complete and on schedule for completion by October 30, 2026.
- Residents and CCM members raised concerns over inadequate water supply, poor education, and road infrastructure, as well as youth unemployment.
