Africa-Press – Tanzania. A CROSS section of Zanzibaris including business people, academicians and ordinary citizens have shared their messages of hope for a bright future after President Hussein Mwinyi’s speech on Saturday.
During his speech, Dr Hussein Mwinyi outlined achievements he has recorded as he marks one year in the office since he was elected to the isles’ top office in October last year.
During an event held in Un- guja, Dr Mwinyi also detailed his government’s plans to move ahead including announcing a 460bn/- stimulus package to stir economic recovery from the Covid-19 induced recession.
Dr Mwinyi, who is the head of eighth phase administration in Zanzibar, mentioned the achievements in the aspects of political, social and economic angles.
“In the past one year, the government has managed to maintain, protect and uphold unity, solidarity and harmony among all Zanzi- baris,” he noted.
He said the capability to main- tain peace and solidarity was the key towards boosting the national economy; sustaining the provision of social services as well as attracting investments in the island.
Dr Mwinyi also commended Islanders for their support of the government’s efforts on stabilis- ing the island, assuring of the government’s commitment to continue maintaining the prevailing peace and unity. Reacting to the president’s speech, Mr Adil Mohamed Ali from the Zanzibar National Association of the Blind (ZANAB) said it covered almost all aspects and raised hopes among Zanzibaris for a better future. “It was a nice speech, giving clear hope to us all.
As we eagerly wait for implementation, let us pray for President Mwinyi and Union President Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Mr Ali said. Dr Nariman Jidawi- researcher and former lecturer of the University of Dar es Salaam said “I am happy with the presi- dent’s speech because youths and women should hope for sup- port in near future.”
He said the president’s ef- forts to boost key sectors such as tourism, blue economy and agri- culture that will create more jobs for youths was commendable. “We are pleased to learn that currently, there are 34 airline companies that are flying to Zanzibar, a list that includes seven new companies that com- menced their trips this year.
This certainly means a significant in- crease of tourists’ arrival…the more we attract tourists the more we create jobs for our people,” he explained.
Dr Afua Mohamed, a researcher and currently serving as the Board Chairperson of the Karume Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) also com- mended Mwinyi’s speech.
“The speech leads us to the right direction in achieving our development goals which are also reflected in the 2050 vi- sion,” she said.
She said that she was happy to hear how the govern- ment plans to improve land use, and the ‘blue economy’ which is linked to sustain- able use of sea resources for products and job creation among youth.
“It is high time the in- stitute further supports the government by introducing fields related to the blue economy,” she said.
An economist Profes- sor Mohamed Hafidh said the president’s speech was captivating, appealing and steered hope.
He said that Zanzibar has untapped potential opportu- nities for economic growth such as Islamic Banking and Islamic insurance.
“Proper planning and use of the stimulus package for developing small entre- preneurs also requires engagement of the private sector for better results,” said Prof Hafidh.
Prof Hafidh said that the government should stand firm to ensure the money is well spent but insisted that involving private sec- tors such as the chamber of commerce is important in identifying and training the targeted beneficiaries.
Veteran journalist in Zanzibar Mr Salim Said Sa- lim said Dr Mwinyi has been drumming for transparency within his government, a move he described as im- pressive and gives hope for a better future. Mr Hassan Khamis Juma- Director, Association of Non – Governmental Or- ganisation of Zanzibar (AN- GOZA) said Dr Mwinyi’s first year in office and his speech gives hope for huge changes in the future- eco- nomically, politically and socially.
“I am impressed with his plan to protect local indus- tries…. Local manufacturers have been facing difficulties in doing business just be- cause of the influx of cheap goods from abroad or tax evasion,” he said.
“Dr Mwinyi has promised a lot for us including fishers and small business people.
Let us pray for him so that all the plans are im- plemented successfully,” Mr Mohamed Kombo said.
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