Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Hussein Ali Mwinyi has underscored the necessity for concerted efforts in fighting against illicit drugs in Zanzibar, because the problem was still a challenge.
Talking to members of the Christian community here, Dr Mwinyi said the illicit drugs’ use among young people was still a concern tarnishing the image of the Islands, let alone depriving the country future human workforce.
He said that the government has been taking different measures which include reforms in policy and operations to control trafficking and use, adding: “But getting all the citizens involved is possible to control the illicit drugs,” he stated.
At the meeting attended by clerics from the Anglican Church, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), the President also raised concern on the ongoing unplanned settlement areas in the country.
Hence, he directed the responsible executives to ensure proper land use and go for urban and rural master-plan to reduce land conflicts and as well avoid construction of houses in un-surveyed and unauthorized areas.
Dr Mwinyi thanked church believers and their leaders for playing an important role in promoting peace and stability backed by the Government of National Unity (GNU) programme formed last December, adding that the situation enables people to focus on development.
Meanwhile, Dr Mwinyi noted that his government will take steps to control raising fuel prices and other commodities in order to relieve the citizens such burden.
Equally, the President emphasized on the issue of strengthening peace and solidarity among the Zanzibaris, adding that his government will continue providing services to all people regardless of their religious disparity as the constitution directs.
