AfricaPress-Tanzania: ZANZIBAR House of Representatives started its 2020/2021 budget session on Wednesday, with Speaker Zubeir Ali Maulid reminding members to take all precautionary measures against the deadly Corona virus.
The 19th meeting is the last for the ninth House of Representatives before its resolve ahead of the next general elections as per the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution.
“We are conducting this meeting amid difficult and challenging situation, we are facing Corona outbreaks, which have hit hard almost the entire world, and Tanzania is not an exception,” Speaker Maulid said in his session opening remarks.
He said members have no option but to continue with the meeting to fulfill the constitutional demands because, “We have to approve the budget to empower the government to collect and spend money for the next fiscal year. “We have to continue with the meeting irrespective of the prevalence of the deadly Corona disease…the most important thing is for all of us to be extra cautious. I understand all members are aware of the recommended guidelines by health experts.”
Zanzibar reported its first Corona case on March 18, 2020, and the government had since taken highest level responses against the disease.
The revolutionary government has already designated Covid-19 treatment centres at Mkokotoni, Kibuteni, JKU Mtoni School and Kidimni in Unguja as well as Vitongoji centre in Pemba.
According to Second Vice-President Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi, the government has opened various centres for the mandatory 14-day self-isolation centers for people who had travelled outside the country.
The government has also outlawed all forms of congestions, including closure of all schools and religious Madrasa.
