ACT Wazalendo vows to review all dodgy contracts in Zanzibar

Unguja. The opposition political party, ACT Wazalendo, has vowed to review all dodgy contracts once they assume power.

Speaking at a gathering of the party's delegates and leaders from the South Unguja Region on May 25, 2024, in Dunga, the party's Vice Chairman (Zanzibar), Mr Ismali Jussa Ladhu, reiterated the party's commitment to rectify numerous detrimental contracts burdening the nation upon their anticipated rise to power next year.

Referring to a recent story published by Mwananchi and The Citizen on May 24, 2024, regarding a contentious bidding process overseen by the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA), which led to fuel shortages in Zanzibar on April 16, Mr Jussa emphasised the urgency of the matter.

Mr Jussa conveyed the party's stance: "We cannot allow such injustices to persist. When we assume office in 2025, we are determined to review and rectify all such contracts."

He urged party members to remain steadfast in their commitment to the party's principles.

The party's national chairman, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, emphasised the importance of leadership that is dedicated to serving the public and the nation's interests.

"As the saying goes, knowing your destination halves the journey. Therefore, we must unite in advocating for Zanzibar's interests. Now is the time for the people of Zanzibar to rise. The path ahead may be dark, but our efforts to secure Zanzibar's autonomy must begin immediately," Mr Masoud asserted.

According to the Vice President, the issue of Zanzibar’s autonomy is a cross-cutting one that has no party affiliation.

He highlighted that a significant portion of Zanzibar's economy relies on what is supposed to be Union resources, warning that any attempt to strip Zanzibar of these resources would leave it destitute, and reliant on charity.

"These issues are enshrined in the 1977 Constitution as Union matters, but somehow the ruling party found a way to allow Zanzibar to own these resources,” he said.

He further warned that should the country one day get a president who is inclined to implement the Constitution to the letter, it would become problematic.

Mr Masoud pointed out Union matters that are currently treated as charitable contributions, such as customs duties, ports, immigration, oil, and gas.

"According to the Constitution, these are Union matters, yet they are treated as charitable acts. We, in ACT, advocate for full autonomy to eradicate these challenges and end Zanzibaris' dependence on charity," concluded Mr Masoud.