Big turnout as Mwinyi opens Kizimkazi Festival 2024
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi officially opened the eight-day Kizimkazi Festival yesterday, pledging to tackle key socio-economic challenges in South Unguja.
Despite the chilly early morning, a large crowd of residents and visitors from various parts of Tanzania participated in a short-distance jog before gathering at Dimbani Grounds for the festival’s opening ceremony.
In his address to the enthusiastic audience, Dr Mwinyi expressed the government commitment to resolving issues such as electricity fluctuations, water shortages, land conflicts and a shortage of medical personnel.
“I have directed the Ministry of Health to increase the number of medical workers in local hospitals. We are also addressing land conflicts and advancing electricity and water projects to resolve these challenges soon,” said Dr Mwinyi.
The president urged the district and regional administrations of Unguja South, an area with both coastal and arid land suitable for investment, to attract investors for the underutilised sea and land resources.
Dr Mwinyi praised the festival, along with the ‘Mwaka Kogwa’ cultural festival in Makunduchi, as opportunities to draw tourists and investors.
He commended Union President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for initiating the festival, noting that it provides more than just entertainment.
“The Kizimkazi Festival, also known as the ‘Samia Festival,’ is transforming Unguja South, Dr Samia’s home district. It has driven development in health, education, sports and employment,” said Dr Mwinyi.
The Isles President highlighted the festival’s positive impact on youth, noting that over 500 young people have gained knowledge in entrepreneurship, tourism, fishing, agriculture and the arts.
Dr Mwinyi encouraged attendees to embrace the festival’s theme, “More Five Years for Mama Samia, for a Prosperous Tanzania,” acknowledging the significant strides made by the Union government under President Samia’s leadership.
These sentiments were echoed by Minister of State in the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Governments (PO-RALG) and State Minister in the Office of the Zanzibar President (Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance) Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman.
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Both praised Dr Samia’s leadership for its positive impact on social, economic and political development. Kizimkazi Festival National Chairman Mr Mahfoudh Said Omar welcomed attendees to the coastal village of Kizimkazi, noting increased participation and sponsorship this year.
He expressed gratitude to all sponsors, including the Peoples’ Bank of Zanzibar, which supported all activities on the opening day.
Regional Commissioner for Unguja South, Mr Ayoub Mohamed Mahmoud, remarked that the festival is significantly improving local lives and promoting entrepreneurship.
The festival, which began yesterday, will conclude on Sunday, August 25 and is scheduled to be attended by President Dr Samia.
