Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR’S presidential candidate for CCM ticket, Dr Hussein Mwinyi has pledged to improve the welfare of senior citizens by further increasing pensions, expanding retirement benefits and ensuring that the elderly live with dignity and security.
Addressing religious leaders and retired government and party officials at the Sheikh Idrissa Abdul Wakil Hall in Kikwajuni, Dr Mwinyi outlined the progress made during his first term and shared his vision for the next five years.
“The government has already doubled the universal social pension from 20,000/- to 50,000/- and increased civil service retirement benefits from 90,000/- to 180,000/-. If re-elected, we will raise these allowances even further,” he said.
Dr Mwinyi said that as Zanzibar’s economy continues to grow, there would be no justification for leaving the elderly behind.
“Our elders served this nation. Now it’s our turn to serve them, en- suring their golden years are lived in dignity,” he added.
He also pledged to improve conditions at the main elderly care centres at Sebleni in Unguja and Limbani in Pemba, while urging faith leaders and elders to continue praying for peace, unity and harmony, particularly during the ongoing election period.
Reflecting on his first term in office, Dr Mwinyi noted that Zanzibar’s economic growth rose from 4 per cent to 7.4 per cent and over 4,800 classrooms were constructed, far exceeding the initial 1,500 classroom target.
He highlighted the expansion of modern school infrastructure into rural areas and improved student performance as key achievements.
In the health sector, Dr Mwinyi cited the construction of new hospitals and health centres across Unguja and Pemba, which have brought medical services closer to communities.
On economic empowerment, Dr Mwinyi announced that the government had issued over 39bn/- in interest free loans to small entrepreneurs, alongside the construction of new markets to boost local trade.
He pledged continued investment in roads, infrastructure and social services to maintain the momentum of Zanzibar’s development journey.
Party leaders and religious figures present at the meeting echoed Dr Mwinyi’s message, calling for stability and national cohesion.
“Without peace, there can be neither development nor the freedom to worship,” said CCM Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar, Dr Mohammed Said Mohammed (Dimwa).
Several elderly attendees also praised Dr Mwinyi’s leadership and promised to support his re-election bid at the polls.
Dr Mwinyi is scheduled to continue his campaign trail in Pemba today.
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