Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has launched the sale of 209 housing units under the Saateni Housing Project, as the government seeks to expand access to decent housing and make home ownership more affordable for citizens.
Dr Mwinyi said the government was committed to ensuring that more people, particularly public servants, young people, businesspeople and low- and middle-income earners, could own homes that met modern living standards.
He made the remarks on November 8, 2026, during the launch of sales at Golden Tulip Airport Hotel in Mjini Magharibi Region.
The project is part of the implementation of the ruling CCM's 2025–2030 Election Manifesto and Zanzibar Development Vision 2050, which identify improved living conditions and expanded access to housing as key development priorities.
Dr Mwinyi said housing was an important component of social and economic development, adding that the government would continue creating favourable conditions to enable more citizens to acquire homes under affordable terms.
Beyond expanding housing supply, the President directed that families who surrendered their land for the project should benefit directly from its implementation.
He ordered that the affected families be allocated houses and receive a 50 per cent reduction in rent, recognising their contribution to making the development possible.
The directive places the interests of the families who made land available for the project among the considerations in its implementation.
Zanzibar Housing Corporation Director General Sultan Said Suleiman said the development would comprise 209 housing units, commercial areas, social amenities and parking facilities.
He said 25 families who surrendered land for the project had already been allocated houses as part of measures to recognise their contribution.
The inclusion of commercial and social facilities is also expected to make the development more than a residential neighbourhood by providing supporting services for its occupants.