Tanzania Re-Affirms It Would Never Enter Into Any Deal That Jeopardises Zanzibar’s Economy

The Union government yesterday affirmed in the National Assembly that it will never enter into a contract with any foreign country that affects Zanzibar' economy. The Minister of State in the Vice President's Office (Union and Environment), Mr January Makamba, made the remark in the Parliament, creating no fears among the people of Zanzibar in the Union.

It was after concern from Magogoni Constituency Member of Parliament (MP-CCM), Dr Suleiman Ally Yussuf hinting that the union government has signed a contract with the Oman government to support construction of Bagamoyo Port, after the Zanzibar authority failed to get funds from it to construct New Mpigaduru Port in Unguja. In his supplementary question, he asked how the Union government would help Zanzibar to construct new berth at the Mpigaduru Port, after the planned construction remained in the

papers for eight years now.

However, Mr Makamba clarified that the Union government has not signed the agreement with the Oman government over the construction of the Bagamoyo Port. "Even if the union agreement would sign the agreement it would ensure it doesn't affect the economy of Zanzibar," he stated. On other hand, the two governments have been in talks over the construction of the berth at the Mpigaduru Port, where the minister told the National Assembly that the talks were at final touches.

"Mpigaduru Port is important, we will ensure that we are going to achieve," Mr Makamba assured. Earlier, when posing his basic question,Mr Yussuf said Zanzibar, the way it is, require their Island's economy to come up, where the port is a must. The deputy minister for State in the Vice President's Office (Union and Environment), Mr Mussa Sima, explained that the law has entrusted the Zanzibar Port Corporation (ZPC) to develop the ports, and to run its activities, and as well market its services within and outside the country.

Mr Sima said the two governments of the Union have continued to cooperate on various issues to develop the ports in the country. "The cooperation has proved areas of planning for various projects and with high priorities, and hence looking for funds from the development partners to implement the projects," he said.

The deputy minister told the Parliamentarians that the two governments would continue to improve their cooperation in transport sector through regular meetings.

This article was originally written by Bernard Lugongo