250 Lands Disputes Heard in Zanzibar

Zanzibar — MORE than 250 land disputes have been heard and determined last year. "This was a big achievement for land tribunal.

We heard and determined 251 cases last year, surpassing the target of hearing 105 cases," said Principal Secretary- Ministry of Land, Settlement, Water, and Energy Mr Ali Halil Mirza.

He was presenting a brief report on the ministry's performance in quarter period of the financial year to Zanzibar's president Dr Ali Mohammed Shein.

Since Dr Shein began his term of office in 2010, ministries are supposed to present performance report quarterly.

Mirza said that 104 land disputes were heard in Pemba, and that despite shortage of staff and facilities, the tribunal has been working hard to reduce the big load of cases.

The Principle Secretary who led ministry's executives to brief the president at the state said that land registration exercise has been going well, and a total 303 investment projects have been verified, up of the target to inspect 280 projects.

"We hope land registration and inspection of the investments projects on land will definitely reduce complains," said Mirza as the President praised the ministry officials for working hard.

Dr Shein appealed to individual ministries and government institution to inform people about the achievements alongside improving the services.

He said most of the services and successes are unknown to the people.

The president has been impressed by the Ministry's efforts in solving water shortage in many parts of Zanzibar, and that 'Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA)' deserves praise for the hardworking.

However, he asked responsible department to find lasting solution to the problem of poor drainage in the municipality, particularly the drainage system blocked with wastes, causing unnecessary flooding in residential areas and roads.