ZANZIBAR, Nov 23 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has outlined the government’s strategies for boosting the economy, underscoring the creation of a conducive business environment for traders utilising the Zanzibar port.
Speaking at the launch and signing of the Zanzibar Port Improvement Charter, a collaborative effort between the government, port stakeholders from both the public and private sectors and the Tony Blair Institute (TBI), Dr Mwinyi highlighted the plan’s goal of streamlining port operations.
The charter aims to reduce bottlenecks by assigning specific roles to each stakeholder, setting clear performance indicators and simplifying container handling, vessel berthing and customs clearance processes.
Addressing the issue of container handling and unloading at the port, Mwinyi assured Zanzibar traders of the government’s commitment to improving service delivery by streamlining the containerisation process at all ports nationwide.
The initiative aligns with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s 2020- 2025 manifesto, which aims to increase the number of containers handled from 82,312 in 2018 to 105,000 by 2025 and reduce vessel waiting time from seven days in 2018 to five days by 2025.
Mwinyi further announced the government’s plans to construct a comprehensive Mangapwani port capable of accommodating large oil and gas vessels.
This project is in line with the CCM manifesto, which calls for developing infrastructure to serve vessels traversing the East African coast.
The President urged all port stakeholders, including the Ministry of Works, Communications and Transport, to continue providing quality services and modern infrastructure to ensure the efficient utilisation of the assets for the benefit of the people and the economy.
Additionally, Mwinyi outlined the government’s efforts to accelerate economic growth by investing in transportation infrastructure, including roads and ports, in both Unguja and Pemba.
He called on traders to conduct their businesses honestly and pay their taxes.
Minister for Works, Communications and Transport, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, hailed the signing of the port improvement charter as a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and productivity in the Zanzibar economy.
The Director-General of the Ports Authority, Akif Ali Khamis, attributed the success of the port’s recent improvements to the collaboration with Zanzibar Multiple, Fumba Port Company and Mkoani Port Company. — NNN-DAILYNEWS