“It’s quite surprising a leader has taken this as an election agenda to woo voters while the paper work on the development of the oil and gas sectors is almost over. Do not be cheated by this promise,” Dr Shein told thousands of people who attended a campaign meeting in Paje in South Unguja region.
He was reacting to promises made by Civic United Front Zanzibar presidential contender Seif Sharif Hamad who said, if elected, he would work on the development of oil and gas within three months in office.
He informed his audience that the search for oil and natural gas started in the islands way back in 1953 when the Middle East was also involved in exploration. He said exploration in Zanzibar was halted while in the Middle East the project was left to continue to the benefit of Arab countries.
“We’re now on track since 2002 when I started dealing with the issue as Vice-President of the Union government,” Dr Shein said.
“President Jakaya Kikwete also clearly explained this issue during the launch of our campaign that Zanzibar now fully owns its natural resources.” He said the government is now finalising crafting of the policy and regulations governing the oil and gas development in Zanzibar territory.
The Zanzibar government has already signed an agreement with Holland regarding the development of the oil and gas sectors, the president said.
Dr Shein said that voices demanding the development of the oil and gas were widely heard from the Zanzibar House of Representatives, Revolutionary Council and the Union Parliament during discussions of the constitution but not from any opposition leader.
He promised, if re-elected, to provide computers to secondary schools in Unguja South Region to develop the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector.
“I’ll work hard to increase the number of science teachers, build new vocational training centre at Makunduchi and build a hostel at Mtule Modern Secondary School,” he said.
The Zanzibar leader asked voters to elect Union presidential candidate Dr John Magufuli and all other candidates from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi.
/Daily News.
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