ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has reassured citizens that the government will ensure fair compensation for all those affected by development projects, ensuring no one is left behind.

He made the statement on Thursday during the ceremony of laying  the foundation stone for the construction of 370 residential houses in Mangapwani, Unguja North   to compensate residents displaced by the construction of a new road and part of the Mangapwani integrated port development project.

The homes will serve as compensation for those impacted by the road project, and Dr Mwinyi emphasised that each affected citizen would be compensated according to their preference. 

“Every citizen will receive what they prefer – if they want cash, they will be paid in cash; if they want a house, they will be provided with a house,” he affirmed.

During his speech, Dr Mwinyi also encouraged the people of North Unguja to capitalise on the economic opportunities   from the large-scale development projects in the region. He spoke of the ongoing developments in   Mangapwani port project, noting that the contractor had already received   advance payment and  had begun soil testing in preparation for the construction.

In addition to the port project, Dr. Mwinyi revealed plans to build a modern football academy in North Unguja, highlighting the government's commitment to developing sports infrastructure in the region.

He also commended the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport, and the Zanzibar Buildings Agency (ZBA) for their oversight in the construction of the houses, as well as the Turkish contractor ORKUN for their role in the successful implementation of the project.