ACT Wazalendo presidential candidate for Zanzibar, Othman Masoud Othman, has vowed to ensure justice and fairness for residents who lost their land to the construction of the Pemba Airport, saying his government will revisit all compensation cases to safeguard citizens’ rights.
Addressing a large crowd in Furaha Shehia, Chake Chake District, Othman said it was unacceptable that many people had been left without proper compensation for land taken in the name of national development. He described the situation as “an act of injustice that undermines the dignity of ordinary citizens.”
“It is heartbreaking to see hundreds of our people being mistreated in their own country. Imagine a farmer who depended on his land to feed his family being given an amount that doesn’t reflect the true value of that property. That is oppression, and it must end,” Othman said.
He pledged that, under an ACT Wazalendo-led government, all citizens whose land was acquired for public projects would receive compensation that reflects the real value of their property.
“It is neither fair nor just for the government to take land from its citizens in the name of progress while the rightful owners are left behind. My administration will not tolerate such injustice — I will personally ensure that every affected citizen receives what they rightfully deserve,” Othman assured.
Several residents shared their frustrations during the meeting, accusing authorities of failing to honor their promises.
Abdalla Seif, one of the affected landowners, said his farm was taken for the airport project but the compensation he received was too small to start over. “Many of us lost our main source of income. The money they gave us cannot even compare to what the land was worth,” he said.
Another resident, Ali Abdalla Juma, claimed that the true market value of his land was around TZS 100 million, but he was paid less than TZS 50 million.
“This is pure exploitation. I have raised this issue many times, but nothing has been done,” he lamented.
Residents at the rally voiced frustration over what they described as years of neglect and mistreatment by the authorities. They said they are now looking for leadership that listens and acts in the interest of the people.
Othman reiterated that his government would prioritize justice, fairness, and transparency in addressing land and compensation disputes, emphasizing that development should uplift citizens — not harm them.
“True progress must protect the rights and dignity of every Zanzibari,” he said, receiving applause from the crowd.