Shein: Zanzibar is safe for investors

Sunday, 13 January 2013 10:00

By Saumu Mwalimu The Citizen Reporter Dar  es Salaam.  Following various incidents of peace infringement  in Zanzibar that were partly associated with religious conflicts, the Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein has assured residents that the country is safe for both foreign investors and tourists. The President said that during the celebrations to mark 49 years of independence held at the Amaan Stadiums in Zanzibar. Dr Shein said that the government was so dissappointed with the chaos that ensued and that legal measures had already been taken against all those who were involved. “The government will not tolerate any violent incidents that breach peace, we have controlled the situation and I am saying that Zanzibar is a peaceful island and it will continue to be that way,” he insisted In his speech, the president added that, the government plans to buy a new ship that will have the capacity to carry more than 1, 000 passengers and luggage. The move aims to solve marine transport problems that claimed several lives in the isles last year. On the other hand, the president said that  youth in Zanzibar face unemploymentproblems, a challenge the goverment has to deal with together with waging a war against drug abuse among the youth.  “Drug abuse is the main problem that affects the majority of the youth, however, the government and other partners are working hand in hand to find a permanent solution to save this generation.  Seminars and workshops on the effects of illicit drugs will continue to be given to them,” he said. He has however urged the public to maintain and respect  the Union despite the challenges that it is still facing. “Through the Union we have seen our country recording development, we have to respect and maintain it for the betterment of our nation,” he said. The 47- minute president’s speech also highlighted development projects that Zanzibar had attained through the 49 years journey of revolution and the plan ahead. He said that, despite the challenges, the government has been witnessing positive changes in various sectors of agriculture, education and the decline of price fluctuation.