Hamad promises to construct fruit canning factory in South Unguja!

THE Civic United Front (CUF)’s Zanzibar presidential candidate Seif Sharif Hamad has promised that his government, if elected, will build a fruit-juice factory in South Unguja in efforts to solve the ‘lack of market’ challenge facing farmers.

“It is a pity that many farmers lack reliable market for their fruits. The next government under my leadership will construct a modern fruits-juice factory,” Mr Hamad promised in response to farmers complaints of lack of market for their products.

Before addressing a campaign rally in Paje coastal village, South Unguja, Mr Hamad visited several farmers in the areas, which was an opportunity for farmers to raise their concern to the candidate.

“We were motivated to increase fruit farming, fortunately we responded with actions and we have been harvesting large quantity of fruits including lemon, mangoes, and oranges, but many get spoiled in the farms,” Mr Ameir Soud of Bwejuu village said.

Although there were no available statistics, villages of Bwejuu, Paje, Jambiani, Kizimkazi and Makunduchi are the leading producers of lemon fruits, and the people there are also engaged in fishing.

Mr Hamad, aspiring for Zanzibar presidency for the fifth time since the re-introduction of multiparty democracy, said his government will provide modern fishing gear so that people are able to fish in deep sea.

“Some conflicts over fishing areas are caused by many people fishing in shallow sea, therefore encouraging deep-sea fishing will definitely minimise unnecessary disputes among fishermen,” Mr Hamad said.

/Daily News.