Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has officially opened the Chake–Wete Road, a 22.2-kilometre project expected to significantly boost economic activity in Pemba by improving connectivity and easing the movement of people and goods.
Speaking at the inauguration in Wete, President Mwinyi said sustained investment in modern infrastructure remains central to the government’s strategy of unlocking Pemba’s economic potential and improving the quality of life for residents.
He noted that the road forms part of a wider infrastructure drive that includes the ongoing upgrading of Pemba Airport, improvements at the ports of Mkoani and Wete, and the construction of key arterial roads linking Mkoani–Chake and Chake–Wete.
Dr Mwinyi said improved transport networks were already helping to lower the cost of doing business, expand market access for farmers and traders, and attract private investment to the island.
He urged residents to protect public infrastructure by avoiding construction within road reserves, warning that such practices hinder development and increase project costs.
At the same time, the President assured wananchi whose land was acquired to allow implementation of development projects that the government remains committed to paying fair compensation in line with the law.
The Chake–Wete Road was built by MECCO at a cost of Sh26.6 billion, financed by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the Saudi Fund for Development.
The project is expected to strengthen Pemba’s integration into the wider Zanzibar and national economy, supporting trade, tourism and service delivery across the island.
