Residents of South Unguja District have urged the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to review laws governing the leasing of islands to investors to ensure local fishermen are not pushed out of traditional fishing and tourism activities.
The residents made the appeal on August 17, 2026, during a public consultation meeting at Kajengwa in Makunduchi to collect views on issues to be presented to the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
The meeting was led by ACT-Wazalendo Chief Whip in the House of Representatives, Prof Omar Fakih Hamad.
Paje resident Muhammed Mrisho Ali said communities in South Unguja depended heavily on fishing and small-scale tourism activities, including taking visitors to nearby islands.
He said leasing the islands to investors should not automatically deny local residents access to areas they had traditionally depended on for their livelihoods.
“We do not oppose the Government leasing the islands, but it should ensure that local people do not face difficulties in conducting their activities while investors carry out their businesses,” he said.
Ali cited Pingume, Miwi, Vindwe, Miamembe and Kwale as some of the islands used by residents for fishing and tourism activities.
He said some fishermen had experienced difficulties after investment projects were introduced in the areas, including alleged restrictions on access to locations they had previously used to earn a living.
He urged the Government to establish clear arrangements that would balance investors’ interests with those of surrounding communities.
Ali also called for fishing laws to clearly define fishing zones to reduce conflicts among fishermen and protect small-scale fishers from encroachment by larger vessels.
He said residents had witnessed large fishing vessels entering areas used by local fishermen without what they considered adequate enforcement action.
“This can have serious consequences for small-scale fishermen who depend on these waters for their daily livelihoods,” he said.
Residents further proposed that islands already leased to investors should include designated areas where local fishermen could continue operating.
Ali also called for members of the House of Representatives to be assigned responsibilities that correspond with their professional expertise.
He argued that representatives with expertise in sectors such as agriculture should be given opportunities to contribute to areas where their knowledge could have the greatest impact.
Another resident, Ali Haji Mtumwa, questioned the enforcement of restrictions on fishing equipment.
He said the Government should not only prohibit the use of certain fishing equipment in shallow waters but also regulate its sale.
“Today you prohibit fishing in shallow waters, but the same equipment is still available in shops. Those selling it should also be stopped,” he said.
Ali Kasim Kibondo said fishermen should be adequately prepared and consulted before new fishing laws are introduced.
He said awareness and training would enable fishermen to understand the regulations and comply with them.
Kibondo also called for the construction of dedicated fishing ports to improve safety and provide better working conditions for fishermen.
“We are reviewing the fishing law, but we do not have fishing ports,” he said.
Mtumwa also urged members of the House of Representatives to allow constructive debate on issues affecting citizens without unnecessary interruptions.
He said political differences should not prevent representatives from giving one another an opportunity to present their views.
“You can see a representative being interrupted simply because another representative does not share the same position,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to put public interests ahead of partisan considerations when debating issues in the House.
On the Government of National Unity (SUK), residents called for the arrangement to be extended to the grassroots level, including the office of the Sheha.
Ali said extending the system could help address complaints of discrimination in access to Government services and employment.
He alleged that some residents faced difficulties obtaining official documents and accessing employment opportunities because of their political affiliations.
“The Government of National Unity should not remain at the level of ministers; it should reach ordinary citizens at the grassroots,” he said.
Simai Khatib Njiwa said some residents of Makunduchi had experienced what he described as discrimination, particularly in employment.
He alleged that some companies working on road construction projects had removed young people from employment because of their political positions.
Residents also raised concerns over waste-burning facilities, saying smoke and unpleasant odours were affecting communities.
Ali warned that uncontrolled waste burning could have implications for both public health and Zanzibar’s tourism industry.
He said smoke and foul smells could affect visitors staying in hotels and other tourist facilities, potentially undermining the image of the islands as a tourism destination.
He urged the Government to promote safer waste-management systems that protect public health while safeguarding the environment and tourism sector.
Closing the meeting, Prof Omar commended residents for openly presenting their concerns and recommendations.
He pledged to take their views to the House of Representatives for consideration.
On land matters, Prof Omar said land should not be treated as Government property alone, arguing that citizens who had occupied land for a long period should not be dispossessed without fair compensation.
“This is an issue I assure you I will take up. You will hear it during the session starting on September 9, 2026,” he said.
Prof Omar also pledged to continue engaging different groups and communities to gather their views and ensure that citizens’ concerns reach the House of Representatives.
