Mwinyi tasks ministers to deliver

**ZANZIBAR: **ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has directed newly appointed ministers and deputy ministers to move beyond their offices, engage directly with citizens and ensure equitable delivery of development across Zanzibar, regardless of political affiliation or other differences.

Dr Mwinyi was speaking on Monday shortly after swearing in 11 ministers and nine deputy ministers, completing the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) following political reconciliation between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and ACT-Wazalendo.

He said the new ministers had a responsibility to demonstrate accountability by identifying and resolving challenges facing citizens instead of remaining behind their office desks.

“Go to your ministries and familiarise yourselves with all development projects being implemented, ensure they are completed on time and to the required quality, and fight against misuse of public resources,” Dr Mwinyi said.

He urged the ministers to understand their respective ministries, closely monitor strategic development projects and ensure government resources were used efficiently.

The President said he had high expectations of the new Cabinet and expressed confidence that the team would meet citizens’ expectations by accelerating development and strengthening implementation of key government projects.

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He stressed that public leaders must serve all citizens equally, regardless of political affiliation, saying Zanzibaris were primarily interested in seeing tangible development.

“Go and serve all citizens without discrimination because people want development. Put political differences aside,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi also commended former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein for their contribution to political dialogue and reconciliation efforts that paved the way for the establishment of the GNU.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman, former President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein and other government and political leaders.

The ceremony followed Dr Mwinyi’s October 3 announcement of changes to the Cabinet and ministry structures, including the appointment of four ministers from ACT-Wazalendo in line with the Constitution and the political reconciliation agreement.

Among the new appointees is Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Dr Nasra Nassor Omar. Speaking after taking an oath, the Minister said her immediate priority would be to engage tourism stakeholders, develop strategies to strengthen the sector and expand its benefits.

She described tourism as the backbone of Zanzibar’s economy and pledged to ensure that young people benefited more from opportunities generated by the sector.

“I know tourism is the backbone of Zanzibar’s economy. I will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure tourism becomes a catalyst for creating employment opportunities for young people,” she said.

Moreover, Mr Ali Suleiman Ameir ‘Mrembo’, who has been appointed the new Minister for Labour, Employment, Youth and Empowerment said employment creation and economic empowerment would be among his key priorities.

He said the ministry was strategically important because it was expected to address the needs of young people and women by expanding employment and self-employment opportunities and strengthening economic empowerment programmes.

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