The residents of Kinyikani Shehia in Wete District, North Pemba, Zanzibar, are no longer facing difficulties in accessing healthcare, thanks to the completion of the Kinyikani Health Center and staff housing, built with a budget of 552 million Tanzanian shillings by the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF).
The health center was officially opened on January 3, 2025, by Zubeir Ali Maulid, the Speaker of the Zanzibar House of Representatives as part of the celebrations leading up to the 61st Zanzibar Revolution Anniversary, which will be marked on January 12, 2025, in Pemba.
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In his opening speech, Speaker Maulid expressed his gratitude towards TASAF for its continuous efforts to improve access to social services, especially healthcare.
He also acknowledged the Fund’s commitment to alleviating poverty in target households. He encouraged the people of Kinyikani Shehia and Wete District to maintain the new health facility so that it continues to serve the community effectively for many years.
"I applaud TASAF for its continued support of government efforts to eliminate poverty. However, it is now important for the community to take good care of the health center, which was built with significant investment to address healthcare challenges in this area," Maulid said.
Before the opening ceremony, TASAF’s Executive Director, Shedrack Mziray said TASAF has allocated a total of 3.1 billion shillings to fund 15 infrastructure projects across Zanzibar in the second phase of the program.
The projects focus on improving healthcare, education, and water services.
“For 2024, TASAF is implementing seven projects in Pemba, with a total value of over 1.32 billion shillings. These projects cover various sectors, including healthcare, and one of them is the Kinyikani Health Center,” Mziray explained.
“Two other projects, the construction of the Kendwa Health Center and classrooms at Piki School, have already been completed and are now serving the community."
The completion of the Kinyikani Health Center is a significant step towards improving healthcare access in this rural area.
With the new facility, local residents now have better opportunities to receive the medical care they need without traveling long distances.
This is part of TASAF's ongoing efforts to support Zanzibar's development and enhance the quality of life for its people.
TASAF’s work continues to play an important role in improving the lives of many Tanzanians, especially those in remote and underserved areas. The success of this project in Kinyikani is a testament to the positive impact of such initiatives.