Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR CCM presidential candidate Dr Hussein Mwinyi, has announced that the isles will soon introduce electric buses to improve public transport, reduce pollution and help preserve the historic architecture of Stone Town.
Speaking during a campaign meeting with traders and entrepreneurs at the Darajani Market area, Dr Mwinyi said the new buses will complement the recently launched sea taxi services, forming part of efforts to build a modern and environmentally friendly transport system across the Isles.
“After introducing sea taxis, which connect key beaches across the islands, the next step is electric buses. When we promise, we deliver,” he told the cheering traders.
Dr Mwinyi said the initiative will help reduce the vibrations and emissions caused by fuel-powered vehicles that threaten the ancient buildings of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The incumbent president expressed satisfaction with the current state of business at Darajani following major renovations and the construction of new market facilities. He said the government will continue improving infrastructure to make Zanzibar City cleaner, more organised and attractive to both residents and visitors.
“Our goal is to keep improving Darajani and other commercial areas so that every trader gets access to a decent place to work. The city must be planned, modernised and turned friendly to both business and tourism,” he said.
Dr Mwinyi, also unveiled several major urban development projects aimed at modernising Zanzibar City and improving the business environment for traders.
Speaking during a campaign meeting with traders and entrepreneurs at Darajani, Dr Mwinyi announced plans for the construction of a new parking complex at Malindi and the expansion of the Malindi–Mnazi Mmoja road into a four-lane highway.
He also revealed the BIG Z Project, which will feature modern shops along both sides of the road from Kariakoo to Kisiwandui. The new boulevard, he said, will be a pedestrian-friendly business zone designed to resemble Europeanstyle city centres.
Dr Mwinyi further pledged to increase funding for interest-free business loans, particularly for traders who have repaid their previous loans on time. He assured that the government will continue reviewing tax regulations in consultation with CCM leadership to ease the burden on small traders.
In addition, Dr Mwinyi directed the Zanzibar Electricity Corporation (ZECO) to install a new transformer at Darajani to address frequent power outages that have been disrupting business operations.
Emphasising peace and stability ahead of the October 29 General Election, Dr Mwinyi urged Zanzibaris to vote calmly and confidently.
“On election day, go out, vote early and then return to your shops as peace will prevail. If you love unity and progress, vote CCM, the party of peace and development, ” he insisted.
He appealed to voters to grant him and other CCM candidates a strong mandate to continue implementing development initiatives started under his administration.
CCM Deputy Secretary General (Zanzibar), Dr Mohammed Said Mohammed, described Dr Mwinyi as a disciplined, peace-loving leader who “delivers what he promises.”
Traders at Darajani, led by Ms Iptsam Mohamed Rashid, expressed gratitude to Dr Mwinyi for transforming the area from only 44 container stalls to over 540 permanent shops, and for restoring the bus stop, green gardens and parking spaces that have revitalised business and created more employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Dr Mwinyi has pledged to transform South Unguja into a major economic hub by expanding infrastructure, social services and youth employment programmes if re-elected in the October 29 General Election.
Addressing thousands of supporters and CCM members at Paje Sports Ground on Wednesday, Dr Mwinyi said his administration has already delivered on most of the 2020–2025 CCM manifesto and is ready to advance the island’s development to a new level under his campaign slogan “Yajayo ni Neema Zaidi” (Greater Prosperity Ahead).
“We have done a lot in the past five years, and the next phase will focus on opening up South Unguja economically by improving roads, ports, airports and social services,” he said.
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