Residents of Makaani in Chakechake District, South Pemba, have asked the Zanzibar Government to stop quarrying activities on their land, saying the operations have destroyed farms, property and the environment while leaving affected families without compensation.
The residents raised the concerns when ACT-Wazalendo Chief Whip in the Zanzibar House of Representatives, Prof Omar Fakih Hamad, visited the area with five other lawmakers to hear their grievances.
The residents said quarrying of stones and construction materials by companies working on government infrastructure projects had affected agricultural land, homes and the surrounding environment.
Sharif Abdallah Hamad, speaking on behalf of the residents, said farms that had been used to grow tungule crops were among the areas affected by the quarrying.
Residents also questioned the valuation of their houses and crops, arguing that the assessments did not reflect the actual value of the property destroyed.
Habibu Sultani Habib said the valuation was conducted more than a year ago, but affected residents were still waiting for compensation.
“I went to the headquarters of Propav, the company constructing the airport, and was told the funds had been transferred to the Zanzibar Ministry of Communications account. But the money has not reached us,” he said.
Another resident, Khalifan Mwalim Khatib, said two acres of Mwendokasi pepper he had cultivated were destroyed during quarrying without being assessed for compensation.
“I do not know where to turn because I have nothing left to support my family. What I had was destroyed,” he said.
Yusouf Said Seif said the concerns presented during the visit represented only part of the challenges facing residents whose land and property had been affected by infrastructure projects.
He called on the lawmakers to press the government to address the residents’ concerns, particularly compensation for destroyed houses, crops and land.
“We are asking our representatives to find out from the government where our rights are—our houses, crops and land that have been destroyed,” he said.
Prof Hamad was accompanied by Ole Constituency representative Seif Hamad Suleiman, Mtambwe representative Dr Muhammed Ali Suleiman, Gando representative Said Ali Mbarouk, Special Seats representative for South Pemba Moza Muhammed Khamis and Special Seats representative for Urban West Nasra Nassor.
During the visit, the delegation inspected areas where stones and construction materials are being extracted and witnessed damage to farmland and the surrounding environment.
Mr Seif Hamad Suleiman pledged to raise the matter during the next sitting of the House of Representatives.
“We cannot allow our people’s property to be destroyed without them being compensated,” he said.
Ms Nasra Nassor raised concern over large pits left by the quarrying, some of which have filled with seawater, saying they could pose risks to nearby communities and the environment.
“If the water continues to accumulate, it could reach residential areas,” she said.
The delegation’s public consultation exercise, led by Prof Hamad, is expected to continue in Wete District today.
