Shein inaugurates five roads ahead of grand Union fete
President of Zanzibar, Dr Mohammed Shein
What you need to know:
The construction of the 35 kilometers of five rural roads was co-funded by the Union government through the Millennium Challenge Account and a grant from the US through the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Pemba. Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein inaugurated five roads in Pemba Rural in a colourful ceremony held at Gombani Stadium on Saturday.
The construction of the 35 kilometers of five rural roads was co-funded by the Union government through the Millennium Challenge Account and a grant from the US through the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
The project cost Sh38.24 billion whereby the government provided Sh21.77 billion with the US donating Sh16.47 billion.
The roads which are all located in northern Pemba include Kipangani-Kangani (2.7 km), Chwale-Likoni 1.9 km), Mzambarau Takao-Pandani 7.9 km), Mzambarauni Karim-Finya-Mapofu 8.7 km) and Bahansa-Daya-Mtambwe 13.8 km).
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Shein said the project was the fulfilment of his promise to construct 76.6 kilometers of roads during the 2010 election campaigns.
According to Dr Shein the new roads should act as a catalyst towards economic transformation in Pemba rural which according to him has been lagging behind because of poor roads.
“You should now engage yourself in economic activities which before the completion of this project were impossible to implement,” said Dr Shein.
On her part United States Charge d’ Affairs a.i Ms Virginia Blaser said the roads will provide people in Pemba North better access to schools, health facilities and to other socio economic activities.
“These roads were almost un-accessible not only during rainy season but some of them were un-accessible even the dry seasons so I am glad because the completion of the project will be a relief to Pemba people,” said Ms Blaser.
According to Principal Secretary at the ministry of Infrastructure and Communication Dr Juma Malik Akil the agreement of the project was signed on 18 August 2011 between MCA-T on behalf of the government of the united republic of Tanzania and H-Young and Co (EA) Limited from Kenya and the construction started on 28 September the same year.
Outlining the challenges during the implementation of the project MCA-T Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bernard Mchomvu said high compensation cost was among them.
According to him a total of Sh4.62 billion were paid as compensation to 1,842 residents. Other challenge according to him include lack of facilities.
