Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has directed the Ministry of Lands and Housing Development to ban the widespread informal sale of plots, warning that unregulated land transactions undermine proper planning and disrupt access to essential services.
Speaking at the launch of sales for modern housing units under the Kisakasaka B and Kisakasaka D mega projects during a ceremony held yesterday, Dr Mwinyi said the long-standing practice of selling plots without regard to water, electricity, or road access must stop.
“No nation prospers without sound land-use planning and proper housing development. The time has come for Zanzibar to adopt better approaches to urban and rural land management,” he said.
President Mwinyi reaffirmed that the government will continue investing in affordable, quality housing to ensure that every citizen has access to decent living conditions.
Dr Mwinyi is looking forward to modern homes reshaping neighbourhoods across the islands and urged people to abandon the culture of clinging to aging, dilapidated buildings such as those in Michenzani and Kikwajuni, which he said had lost their urban appeal.
The president added that the eighth phase government, in its second term, remains committed to transforming housing in other areas, including Jang’ombe, Kwahani and Kilimani.
“Zanzibar must now pursue major reforms in the housing sector to create well-planned, attractive and high-value towns,” he said.
Regarding the Kisakasaka project, he assured the public that the area is set to become a fully modern township and encouraged citizens to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase units developed by the Zanzibar Housing Corporation (ZHC).
“The project will provide key amenities such as water, electricity and modern road networks,” he noted.
President Mwinyi also encouraged public servants to seek housing loans rather than borrowing money to build incrementally, a practice he said slows progress and strains their finances.
“Owning a modern, quality home provides dignity, economic stability and a secure foundation for families,” he said.
He added that the government will support civil servants through salary adjustments to make home ownership affordable, including a long-term arrangement enabling workers to acquire ZHC houses through small monthly deductions over 25 years.
Such measures, he said, will promote stability and enhance work performance. President Mwinyi further issued a stern warning against awarding government projects to contractors who have previously failed or delivered substandard work, saying firm action will be taken against officials who continue to hire them.
He also directed the Ministries of Health and Education to stop constructing staff houses and instead purchase high-quality, ready-built homes directly from ZHC to reduce costs.
Dr Mwinyi also ordered ZHC to reserve 40 per cent of its housing units for low-income citizens to ensure access to affordable, decent rental accommodation.
President Mwinyi praised the ZHC as one of the country’s most effective public institutions and urged others to learn from its performance.
He also commended the Ministry of Lands for significantly reducing land disputes and instructed it to ensure that all landowners receive legally recognised title deeds through upcoming land clinics.
The Minister for Lands and Housing Development, Ms Rahma Kassim Ali, commended President Mwinyi for his development initiatives, including improved housing for Zanzibaris, describing him as a visionary leader whose work is leaving a mark across all sectors.
Meanwhile, Dr Mwinyi has met with Vice- President Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi, who paid him a courtesy visit at State House in Zanzibar.
This was their first official meeting in Zanzibar since both leaders were elected in the October 29 General Election.
Amb Nchimbi travelled to Zanzibar on Saturday to formally introduce himself to Zanzibaris following his election as Vice-President, after running as the running mate to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
According to a statement from State House in Stone Town, President Mwinyi congratulated Dr Nchimbi, noting that significant progress had already been made in resolving long-standing Union challenges and stressed the need to sustain these efforts to further strengthen the Union for the benefit of both sides.
For his part, Amb Nchimbi congratulated President Mwinyi on his re-election as President of Zanzibar, expressing confidence that Zanzibar will achieve even greater development in the next five years.
On Union affairs, Amb Nchimbi pledged close collaboration with the government of Zanzibar to advance the shared commitment to building a stronger and more resilient Union.
Source: Daily News – Tanzania Standard Newspapers
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