CCM demands tighter project accountability

ZANZIBAR: THE Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)- Zanzibar has demanded stronger oversight and accountability in the implementation of government development projects, saying major public investments must deliver better services and economic opportunities for citizens.

CCM Zanzibar Deputy SecretaryGeneral, Mr Abdi Mahmoud Abdi made the remarks during his tour of North Unguja yesterday, where he inspected development projects and met party members and residents to hear their concerns.

Mr Abdi said government officials should regularly assess their performance and ensure projects funded with public resources deliver the services they were intended to provide.

“Government has been spending a lot of money to implement various projects to address challenges that have affected citizens for a long time. It is therefore important for officials to ensure that these projects provide the services for which they were established,” he said.

During the tour, Mr Abdi expressed satisfaction with progress on the Fungurefu fish processing factory and market project, which has reached 86 per cent completion.

He commended district authorities and project managers for effective supervision, saying the project remains on schedule for completion by October 30, 2026.

Mr Abdi directed the Municipal Council to begin preparations for operating the new facilities before they are officially handed over by developing business plans, contracts and arrangements for traders.

“Do not wait until October, when the project is handed over, to start planning how to use these buildings. This is the time to put in place plans on what businesses will operate here,” he said.

Mr Abdi also urged authorities to give priority to traders who previously operated in the area when allocating shops and cautioned against allowing unplanned structures and substandard businesses to emerge around the new market.

ALSO READ: CCM vows to uphold democracy

Project engineer Hamid Katwe said construction had entered the finishing stage after improved cash flow eased earlier financial constraints.

He said foundation works near the sea and shortages of locally sourced construction materials had initially slowed progress, while construction of 40 additional shops remained a challenge.

In Kiongwele, residents and CCM members raised concerns over inadequate water supply, poor education and road infrastructure, youth unemployment and the need for a modern CCM branch office.

Deputy Minister for Education and Vocational Training, Ms Khadija Salum Ali said land had already been allocated for a proposed school and that construction experts would assess the site before the project is incorporated into the ministry’s plans.

She also urged qualified residents to apply for about 2,000 education-sector vacancies advertised by the government before the September 30 deadline.

On Tumbatu Island, Mr Abdi questioned why residents continued to experience intermittent water supply despite government investment in a project intended to solve the problem.

“Our representatives approved the budget and this project was constructed, but unfortunately there are still complaints that water is supplied intermittently. Why should it be intermittent?” he said.

He directed the minister responsible for water to convene a special meeting involving ministry experts and CCM officials to identify the cause of the problem and find a quick solution.

The tour forms part of CCM’s programme to assess grassroots party structures and monitor implementation of development projects and the party’s election manifesto across North Unguja and Tumbatu.

The post CCM demands tighter project accountability appeared first on Daily News.