President of ZANZIBAR, Hussein Mwinyi commended the efforts made by the Indian Embassy in Tanzania to assist Zanzibar in implementing its development projects, including improving domestic water supply in the he is.

Dr Mwinyi expressed his gratitude to India, during his talks with the Indian High Commissioner to Tanzania, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, at the State House in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

“Soon after the High Commissioner started his work in the country, he was able to follow closely the implementation of various projects implemented in Zanzibar with the support of India,” the President said.

Dr. Mwinyi stressed the need to continue to closely monitor the projects, so that they can be implemented within the agreed timeframe.

It includes large water projects that involve the construction of storage reservoirs financed in part by Exim Bank of India, through a concessional loan. Other funds are disbursed by the revolutionary government of Zanzibar.

Regarding capacity building and human resource training, Dr. Mwinyi thanked India for providing scholarships and other study opportunities.

India is also planning to set up a vocational training college in Pemba, an initiative that will be of great benefit for Zanzibar, especially for the young people, who have failed to pursue higher education.

Dr Mwinyi also said that his government would fully support the Indian government’s intention to establish an information and communication technology (ICT) institute in Zanzibar, saying that this will go a long way in supporting the initiatives of the government aimed at stimulating the growth of the industrial sector in the islands.

“The existence of such institutions will promote the use of ICTs for the development of the country, especially in the industry and education sectors,” President Mwinyi said.

Elaborating, he noted that India is also planning to build a pharmaceutical factory in Zanzibar.

Earlier, High Commissioner Pradhan briefed President Mwinyi on the deliberate steps taken by his office to support Zanzibar since his appointment last year, adding that he appreciates the historical ties and cooperation that exist between India and Zanzibar.

“In addition to supporting water improvement in Zanzibar, we have other projects like the ICT program and the establishment of a vocational training center in Pemba. We also need to strengthen business relations and cooperation,” said the High Commissioner.

He promised that in a bid to improve relations, members of the Indian business community are expected to visit Tanzania in November this year, with the aim of researching the investment opportunities available here.

Meanwhile, Al-Haji Mwinyi encouraged Muslims to continue the long-standing tradition of holding annual Iftar (in the evening or after the fasting meal) for people from all parts of Zanzibar, as this is good in religion.

“Holding Iftar during Ramadan is a good thing and it promotes unity among Muslims,” ​​Dr Mwinyi said at the Michenzani Mall in Unguja, where he hosted the evening meal for residents of the urban area. -west. He expressed his gratitude to the people for responding well to his invitation.

The Western Urban Regional Commissioner (CR), Idrissa Kitwana Mustafa also thanked and wished good luck to Alhaj Dr Mwinyi for his decision to unite the people.

Secretary to the Mufti of Zanzibar, Sheikh Khalid Mfaume, said the “ongoing gatherings to enjoy the evening meal with ordinary people were aimed at bringing citizens together and bringing them closer to their leaders”.