Tanzania opposition questions Zanzibar contracts

Unguja,

The opposition political party, ACT Wazalendo, has vowed to review all dubious contracts once it assumes power next year.

Speaking at a meeting of the party's delegates and leaders from the South Unguja region in Dunga on 25 May 2024, the party's vice chairman (Zanzibar), Mr Ismali Jussa Ladhu, reiterated the party's commitment to rectify numerous unfavourable contracts burdening the nation. 

Referring to a recent story published by Mwananchi and The Citizen on 24 May 2024 about a controversial tender process overseen by the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA) that led to fuel shortages in Zanzibar on 16 April, Mr Jussa stressed the urgency of the matter.

Expressing the party's position, Mr Jussa said: "We cannot allow such injustices to continue. When we assume office in 2025, we are determined to review and correct all such contracts".

He urged party members to remain steadfast in their commitment to the party's principles.

The party's national chairman, Othman Masoud Othman, stressed the importance of leadership that is committed to serving the public and the nation's interests.

"As the saying goes, knowing your destination halves the journey. That is why we must unite and stand up for Zanzibar's interests. Now is the time for the people of Zanzibar to rise up. The road ahead may be dark, but our efforts to secure Zanzibar's autonomy must begin immediately," said Mr Masoud.

According to the Vice President, the issue of Zanzibar's autonomy is a cross-cutting one that transcends party affiliations.

He emphasised that a significant part of Zanzibar's economy depends on what are supposed to be Union resources, and warned that any attempt to deprive Zanzibar of these resources would leave it destitute and dependent on charity.

"These issues are enshrined in the 1977 Constitution as Union matters, but somehow the ruling party has found a way to allow Zanzibar to own these resources," he said.

He went on to warn that if the country should one day get a president who is inclined to implement the constitution to the letter, it would become problematic.

Mr Masoud pointed to union matters that are currently treated as charitable contributions, such as customs, ports, immigration, oil and gas.

"According to the Constitution, these are Union matters, yet they are treated as charitable acts. We in ACT are advocating for full autonomy to eradicate these challenges and end Zanzibaris' dependence on charity," concluded Mr Masoud.