Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has acknowledged the contribution of UN agencies in the Islands’ development, calling for continued cooperation in the execution of its blue economy agenda.
The Head of State made the remarks here yesterday during the climax of the UN Day celebrations, noting that, the existing cooperation has benefited Zanzibar and Tanzanians in general.
“We invite UN agencies to continue working closely with the Zanzibar’s eighth phase government in advancing our blue economy vision, particularly in developing fisheries, and seaweed farming,” President Mwinyi noted.
He said that through various programmes supported by UN agencies in Zanzibar including the ended ‘Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the current Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs2030), the Island has been able, and continues to benefit from the cooperation it receives from all UN agencies.
Dr Mwinyi said “With support from UN agencies, we have attained success in the areas of improving education, health, agriculture, fisheries and livestock, protection of environment, poverty reduction, maternal and child mortality.
Other successes have been recorded in capacity building and training of staff, support of young people and women mainly in reducing unemployment burden through economic empowerment; strengthening democracy and good governance; and maintaining peace and security, among others. Mwinyi further expressed his appreciation for the support that Zanzibar has been receiving from the UN agencies presence in Tanzania, adding: “Much work is being done by the UN sub-office in Zanzibar and it has been an important link to us.” During the celebration some young innovators were awarded.
These innovators with guidance from the Micro, Small and Medium Industrial Development Agency (SMIDA) and the UN agencies managed to develop some science and technology applications (Apps) that if developed, can be used to improve tax collection, fishing business, and keeping tourism records.
He said that both the Zanzibar and union governments have been paying close attention to ensure that development plans in the country are in line with the UN guidelines, “Our vision 2050, Poverty Reduction Strategy (MKUZA, III) and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) 2020-2025 election manifesto, have all taken into account the major plans of UN agencies.” Dr Mwinyi also was pleased with the theme of the 76th anniversary of the UN, which states ‘Building back Better with Health System’, arguing that it was a relevant factor as many countries are struggling to rebuild health facilities following heavy devastation of the Covid-19.
“It is fortunate that the number of deaths and infections from Covid-19 in Zanzibar, was not as high as in other countries, but its impact on the economy is greater than what happened in some countries. This is mainly due to heavy dependence on tourism, a leading source of income for Zanzibar,” the President said.
Dr Mwinyi pointed out that the decline in tourism has severely affected revenue collection and business development linked to air and sea transport business, entrepreneurial activities, job creation, increased production and market of farm produce, fisheries and livestock.
In his brief remarks at the celebrations held at the ‘Sheikh Idriss Abdulwakil Hall,’ the Minister for Health, Social welfare, Elders, Gender and Children Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui urged members of the public to remain vigilant while fighting the pandemic.
Mr Mazrui said the UN assignments in Tanzania have been going on well and include supporting improvement of health systems leading to decline in child and maternal mortality.
The UN Day celebrations climax in Zanzibar that was also preceded by UN staff press conference, thereafter, saw the public joining hands in the cleanliness exercise at Funguni in Stone Town, tree planting at Mtopepo, and awareness visits to two secondary schools of Lumumba and Ben bella.
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