Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has pledged a series of reforms to ease the challenges faced by Zanzibari pilgrims on their annual journey to Mecca, including the establishment of a government-backed Hajj fund and more timely advance payments to Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at Masjid Jamiu Zinjibar in Kiembe Samaki, Unguja Urban-West Region, during a farewell ceremony for this year’s pilgrims, President Mwinyi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring a smoother, more accessible pilgrimage for Zanzibaris.
“The government values and recognises the important role of the Association of Zanzibar Hajj Institutions and will continue supporting efforts to improve the pilgrimage process,” said Dr Mwinyi.
He also commended the association for organising predeparture seminars, urging pilgrims to follow the guidance to perform the rites efficiently and with ease.
“We will continue working closely with Hajj authorities to resolve the challenges pilgrims face during their journey,” he added.
In response to the association’s request for 4.4 million US dollars to cover advance payments to Saudi Arabia, Dr Mwinyi assured the gathering that the government would find a solution.
He also confirmed that plans to establish a Zanzibar Hajj Fund, intended to support low-income citizens and increase the number of pilgrims, are well underway.
As a temporary measure, the government has allocated a building to serve as the association’s office while a permanent site is being identified.
Dr Mwinyi urged the pilgrims to remember Zanzibar in their prayers, particularly its peace and stability.
Chairman of the Association of Zanzibar Hajj Institutions, Sheikh Abdalla Talib thanked the president for his continued support.
He said Zanzibar is expected to send approximately 2,461 pilgrims to Mecca this year.
Meanwhile, addressing a separate event, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, in his capacity as CCM Vice-Chairman (Zanzibar), expressed confidence that the ruling party will win the upcoming General Election, saying its manifesto has been implemented “fully and tangibly.”
He made the remarks while inaugurating a new CCM branch office in Mpendae Juu, Unguja Urban-West Region. Dr Mwinyi praised party members for their strong turnout in the permanent voter registration exercise and urged them to vote in large numbers to secure a landslide victory.
“Every registered member has a duty to vote. We must ensure no one neglects this crucial responsibility,” he said.
He added that CCM is committed to continuing its development agenda and called the party’s victory “inevitable.”
Dr Mwinyi also congratulated Mpendae constituency leaders for constructing the new party office in accordance with CCM standards.
The new branch, built through collaboration between area MP Toufiq Salim Turky and House of Representatives member Shaaban Ali Othman, includes offices for all CCM wings, a conference and events hall, retail spaces and public restrooms.
CCM’s Deputy SecretaryGeneral for Zanzibar, Dr Mohamed Said Mohamed, told the gathering that the party is on track to win the election after delivering on its 2020–2025 promises, which he said have enhanced public welfare and national development.
“CCM has kept its word, transforming key sectors and improving people’s lives. Let us finish the job by voting for our presidential candidate, MPs, representatives and councillors,” said Dr Mohamed.
“Your votes will deliver us an overwhelming victory and silence our opponents.”
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