Residents of Wete District have urged members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives to put citizens’ interests at the centre of legislation, particularly when debating laws that directly affect livelihoods and access to public services.
The call was made on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during a public consultation meeting with a delegation of House members visiting Botol, Mtemani and Wete Njia Nne to collect views and hear challenges facing residents.
The delegation was led by the ACT-Wazalendo Chief Whip in the House of Representatives, Prof Omar Fakih Hamad.
Fishing emerged as one of the major concerns raised by residents, with small-scale fishers calling for changes to the Fisheries Act No. 7 of 2010.
Sheha Abdalla Juma said the law had made it difficult for small-scale fishers to operate by restricting fishing in shallow waters and requiring them to venture into deeper waters.
He said many local fishers lacked modern boats and equipment to safely reach deeper fishing grounds.
“We are prohibited from entering those 50 metres with all the fishing equipment, including gas cylinders and goggles. What are we supposed to do?” he asked.
Sheha Abdalla said the law should be reviewed to strike a balance between protecting marine resources and safeguarding the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Bakari Khamis Ali called on the government to provide fishers with modern boats, vessels, fishing nets and other equipment to enable them to operate in deeper waters.
He said enforcement of fishing regulations should go hand in hand with practical support for communities whose livelihoods depend on the sector.
Said Ali Mohammed proposed raising the monthly allowance for elderly people from Sh50,000 to Sh150,000, arguing that the current amount was insufficient to meet basic needs amid rising living costs.
Seif Mohamed Said raised concerns over delays in the payment of retirement benefits, saying some retirees wait for extended periods to receive money to which they are entitled.
Juma Shaame Maalim called for the construction of Wete Port, saying the project could strengthen trade, improve connectivity and create new opportunities for businesses and investors in Pemba.
The port, he argued, would help unlock the island’s economic potential by improving the movement of goods and strengthening links with other markets.
Residents also raised concerns over political fairness and equal access to employment opportunities.
Makame Ali Makame, referring to the Media Corporation Bill, called for government-owned media outlets to provide fair opportunities and coverage to all political parties.
On employment, Mariam Haji Khamis alleged that some qualified applicants were being denied jobs because of their perceived political affiliations.
Issa Rubea Mohammed also raised concerns about what he described as political and geographical discrimination between Pemba and Unguja in recruitment processes.
Responding to the concerns, Prof Hamad said the House would continue pressing the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to implement economic development policies that benefit citizens.
Mtambwe Representative Dr Muhammed Ali Suleiman said the concerns raised by residents had been recorded and would be presented during the House session scheduled to begin on September 9, 2026.
“I urge you, when you hear that the House has started its session, stay close to your televisions and follow what is being discussed,” he said.
Gando Representative Said Ali Mbarouk said fisheries remained among the key areas requiring policy and legislative reforms.
He pledged to continue pushing for changes that would make fisheries laws more responsive to the realities facing small-scale fishers.
The Wete meeting underscored the importance of public consultations in shaping legislation, with residents calling for laws and policies that protect livelihoods, strengthen social welfare and create a more inclusive environment for economic opportunity.
