Zanzibar House of Representatives Opposition Chief Whip Prof Omar Fakih Hamad has assured residents of Micheweni District that their concerns and challenges raised during public consultations will be presented to the House for discussion and possible action.
Prof Fakih made the commitment at Wingwi Mapofu village in North Pemba during a special outreach programme aimed at engaging residents and gathering their views on issues affecting their daily lives.
He said collecting citizens’ views was part of the responsibility of elected representatives, adding that concerns raised during the meetings would be taken up through the appropriate parliamentary channels.
“I assure you that representatives from all political parties will stand up for the interests of citizens. Every issue you have raised will be taken up and worked on for the benefit of all wananchi,” Prof Fakih said.
He also said the House continued to operate through cooperation among its members despite political differences.
However, Prof Fakih criticised what he described as bureaucracy and misuse of public resources in some district government offices, stressing that public services were a right of citizens rather than a favour.
During the meeting, Prof Fakih invited residents to submit their views on two Bills expected to be tabled during the House session beginning September 9, 2026.
The first is the Bill to Repeal the Fisheries Act No. 7 of 2010 and Enact the Fisheries Development Authority and Marine Conservation Act. The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the management and development of fisheries, conserve marine resources and provide for other matters related to the sector.
The second is the Bill to Repeal the Zanzibar Government Newspaper Corporation Establishment Act No. 11 of 2008 and Enact a New Zanzibar Newspaper Corporation Act, which seeks to provide a new legal framework for the corporation’s newspaper business and related matters.
Residents who contributed to the discussion on the fisheries Bill said restrictions on fishing grounds were making it increasingly difficult for small-scale fishers to earn a living.
Subeit Ali Khamis said the government should first empower fishermen by providing modern fishing equipment before introducing regulations that restrict access to nearby fishing grounds.
Hadia Mwinyi Suedi questioned the requirement for every person aboard a fishing vessel to hold an individual licence when the vessel itself already has a valid licence.
Khadija Bakar Ame said restrictions on several seaweed farming areas, reportedly linked to maritime safety along shipping routes to Mombasa, had left many seaweed farmers without a reliable source of income.
Residents also raised concerns over delays in compensation for land and properties affected by the construction of the Finya–Shumba ya Vyamboni–Tumbe road.
Hamadi Khamisi Mbarouk said some residents had waited for up to three years for compensation, while others were struggling after their houses were demolished to pave the way for the project.
Bidawa Bakar called for greater public education on investment and development projects so that communities could understand their benefits and reduce conflicts during implementation.
He said inadequate information was contributing to fears and resistance towards some development projects.
Residents also complained about difficulties in obtaining birth certificates.
Kombo Omar urged the government to review procedures for issuing birth certificates, saying applicants often faced unnecessary bureaucracy and were sometimes charged amounts that did not correspond with the receipts issued.
He said some applicants were asked to provide additional documents despite already having submitted the required supporting documents.
Special Seats Representative for South Pemba under ACT-Wazalendo, Moza Muhamed Khamis, acknowledged the concern, saying difficulties surrounding birth certificates were affecting many residents. She pledged to raise the matter in the House in an effort to find a solution.
Rashid Khalid Salim said Micheweni District also faced a shortage of agricultural experts, making it difficult to control crop diseases, particularly those affecting rice production.
Other concerns raised included shortages of medicines in health facilities, limited employment opportunities for young people, increasing crop theft and bureaucracy in accessing government services.
The outreach programme was led by Prof Omar Fakih Hamad, accompanied by representatives Ole Seif Hamad Suleiman, Dr Muhammed Ali Suleiman of Mtambwe constituency and Special Seats Representative for South Pemba, Moza Muhammed Khamis.
The delegation is expected to continue its outreach programme in Chake Chake District on Thursday, where it will meet residents of Vitongoji and Furaha.
