Isles lawmakers call for workable measures to tackle hooliganism

ZANZIBAR: MEMBERS of the Zanzibar House of Representatives have called for a review of the safety strategy in all regions of Zanzibar, particularly the Urban-West area following increased hooliganism characterized by burglary and robbery in some streets.

Debating budget estimates for the Ministry of State, Office of the President (Regional Administration, Local Government and Special Departments) in which the minister in charge of the docket asked for the approval of 350bn/- for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.

Some backbenchers raised concerns over growing hooliganism in some areas of the UrbanWest region. “Thugs terrorize people in some areas, stealing mobile phone handsets, money and other belongings from people.

This is unacceptable and Regional Commissioners (RCs) using their ‘defense and security committees’ must guarantee safety of all citizens,” said Ziwani Representative Suleiman Ali.

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He joined his colleague, Mr Machano Othman Said (Mfenesini) to thank the government for ensuring safety in all tourists’ attraction areas in the country, but advised authorities to do the same in other residential areas so that people are free to move and live peacefully.

The legislators said further that the ongoing plan to allow 24hrs market operations may be hampered by hooliganism and the security must be guaranteed before implementation of the plan as directed by the Zanzibar President, Hussein Mwinyi last year.