ENVIRONMENTAL activists in Zanzibar are up in arms against construction of a 7-star hotel within Ngezi Forest Reserve in Pemba Island. The construction of the resort and cottages is already underway within the forest reserve.

Speaking to reporters in Pemba last week, the activists said in recent years more hotels were being constructed within the forest reserve which is an important lifeline of ‘the spice islands’ which are already grappling with the impact of climate change.

Ngezi Natural Resources Conservation Organization secretary Abrahaman Mbaruk said sometimes last year they woke up to find an area cordoned off with heavy earth-moving equipment clearing the forest.

“We know nothing about this investor who has come to destroy part of our forest which is an important asset for the survival of our islands,” said Mbaruk who was accompanied by executive committee members of the Konde-based group.

He explained that it’s the second time since 1990s that a tourist hotel is being allowed inside the forest reserve which apart from ensuring a climate friendly environment also attracts both local and domestic tourists.

Mbaruk’s observation was backed by Tanzania Forest Conservation Group member Thabit Masoud who wondered whether an environmental impact assessment study has been conducted or not. 

He pointed out that authorities and the investor should have involved the community through consultations so that residents of the area know about the project and its benefits to local community.

“This kind of project needs community involvement at the initial stage so that people know its benefits but also get informed on the fate of the forest reserve,” he said.

But Konde Member of House of Representatives Zawadi Amour Nassor defended the U$8m (over 17bn/-) project, saying it’s going to contribute significantly towards economic wellbeing of Pemba islands which unlike Unguja receives than 50,000 tourist arrivals annually.

Unguja which is Zanzibar’s main islands receives over half a million tourist arrivals annually. 

“This hotel which chops less than three percent of the forest reserve will help improve tourism infrastructure that allow more visitors to come to Pemba hence benefit residents of this island directly,” Nassor said.

He stressed that consultations were done through public rallies involving all communities in Konde and that those who are saying that they have no knowledge of the investment are not honest. 

“The biggest challenge that we face with communities is that some individuals rarely attended public meetings called to discuss various issues,” he explained while dismissing concerns that such development is a threat to Ngezi Forest Reserve.

In January last year, then Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority’s executive director, Sharif Ali Sharif said the hotel will completely change Pemba islands fortunes. “We commend president Hussein Ali Mwinyi for his government’s good policies which have attracted many foreign investors including the one who will put up the first 7-star hotel in Pemba,” Sharif who has since been promoted to cabinet minister, explained.