The ruling party CCM in Tanzania has pledged to seek lasting and lawful solutions to land challenges facing citizens in Zanzibar. This move comes after the Bumbwini Constituency Political Committee in North Unguja Region submitted grievances on September 21, 2026. CCM Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar, Abdi Mahamoud Abdi, stated that the party will closely monitor these concerns to protect citizens from vulnerability regarding their properties.
The party plans to direct its representatives and Members of Parliament to take these grievances to the Legislative Council and Parliament. This aims to enact robust laws that protect the rights and interests of citizens in land properties. A primary area of focus is the current system governing farms and agricultural land, which Mr. Abdi noted requires a fresh perspective. Many residents have relied on these plots for generations to secure food and sustain their livelihoods.
A significant challenge arises when the government or investors need areas for development projects. The compensation given for crops or trees often does not suffice to enable a citizen to get another residential area or start alternative economic activities. To alleviate this hardship, the party encourages broad discussions to establish mechanisms allowing landowners to benefit long-term by securing a share of the revenue generated from incoming development projects.
The goal of this approach is to ensure citizens get a sustainable income to run their families. This is instead of depending on a single lump-sum compensation that does not meet future needs. Additionally, party and government leaders have been instructed to conduct frequent field visits. This will enable them to listen to citizen grievances, provide public education, and safeguard local rights wherever major initiatives are implemented.
As part of his regional tour, Mr. Abdi inspected the implementation progress of the Mangapwani Integrated Port project. This strategic venture is designed to accelerate Zanzibar's economic growth through diverse new opportunities. Residents of Bumbwini and Mangapwani have been urged to cooperate fully with project implementers and actively participate in safeguarding the security of the infrastructure until completion.
Zanzibar Ports Corporation director general, Akif Ali Khamis, noted that the integrated port is expected to unlock employment doors, particularly for North Unguja residents. It will also stimulate local commercial activity. The port will have an important role in storing oil and natural gas. This will help strengthen the availability of this commodity and control challenges of price fluctuations in the market.
The strategic maritime infrastructure aims to bolster Zanzibar's competitive edge within the blue economy. It features deep-water berths capable of servicing large container vessels alongside modernized social amenities for neighboring communities. The project is a significant step towards enhancing Zanzibar's economic prospects and addressing land-related challenges faced by its citizens.
Key points
- CCM seeks to establish mechanisms for landowners to benefit from development projects.
- The party aims to enact robust laws to protect citizens' rights and interests in land properties.
- The Mangapwani Integrated Port project is expected to unlock employment opportunities and stimulate local commercial activity.
