THE government yesterday assured the people of Zanzibar that ministers and their deputies serving ministries dealing with union matters would conduct visits to the island to bring important services closer to the people.
Deputy Minister in the President’s Office (Union Affairs and Environment) Luhanga Mpina told the National Assembly here that they were committed to ensure that they serve to the expectations of the people of Zanzibar and other citizens in general.
He said that ministers and deputy ministers under ministries dealing with union affairs have set enough time to stay in Zanzibar and would be going there not only after three months, but each month at appropriate times.
The deputy minister was responding to question by Ms Fakharia Shomar Khamis (Special Seat-CCM), who wanted to know how many national leaders visited Zanzibar since 2010 and that such visits could lead to the improvement of the union.
He said that for the period of between 2010 and 2015, all national leaders, including the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Union Vice-President and Prime Minister visited Zanzibar on different occasions.
The deputy minister disclosed that President Jakaya Kikwete visited Zanzibar 20 times, while Dr Gharib Mohamed Bilal, the Vice-President, visited the Islands 30 times. Former Prime Minister Mizengo Peter Pinda visited Zanzibar 12 times.
