THE Civic United Front (CUF) launched its election campaigns here on Thursday reiterating its promise to push for introduction of a three-tier government structure if it wins the Isles’ presidency.
Addressing hundreds of members and supporters who turned up at the Kibanda-maiti grounds, CUF Secretary General, Seif Sharrif Hamad, who is vying for presidency, said once he is at the State House, he would begin the process by starting formal communication with the Union government asking for constitutional amendment to accommodate the Zanzibar, Tanganyika and Union governments’ structure.
Mr Hamad also promised that his government will seek reintroduction of an article in the constitution to enable the Isles president automatically become the First Vice-President of the Union government.
“Zanzibaris are not happy that the Zanzibar President’s position in the union government has been abolished. We will exert pressure on the Union government for appropriate measures. I believe they will understand us,” he said.
Mr Hamad maintained that his government would approach the matter diplomatically. “We will use the same approach to find solutions to problems the people have been facing for many years,” he added.
Mr Hamad who is vying for the presidency for the fourth time, further promised to take measures that would enhance the Isles’ annual economic growth pace, from the current 6.8 per cent to 10 per cent and to a further 15 per cent in the next five years.
He said by revamping the economy, the Isles would be able to attain development goals. The CUF presidential hopeful said his government would establish a free port to facilitate revenue collection. He will also push for establishments of off shore banks and companies, to help the economy grow faster.
“With off shore companies and banks, we will also be creating more jobs for our jobless youths,” he added. “We want to build Zanzibar into ‘a Hong Kong of East Africa’. We will remove all obstacles in investment to attract more investors,” he told the gathering.
Mr Hamad said he will make Pemba and Unguja islands more accessible by building modern ports at Mkoani and Mkokotoni, respectively and bring in new ships for passengers and cargo.
“We will also ensure farmers are able to access markets easily and on time,” Mr Hamad explained, noting that his government would also introduce Air Zanzibar Corporation which will be the Isles’ flag carrier.
Special groups will also be Mr Hamad’s government priority and will ensure that buildings are constructed in a way that they are easily accessible by the disabled who will also receive free social services including public transport and health services. Elders, he said, will also enjoy free social services.
CUF government will also introduce the post of Inspector General of Services in the government who will follow up on complaints from the public.
“I will also establish Agriculture Incubator Fund that will extend monetary assistance to small farmers and fishermen,” he said.
Mr Hamad commended the outgoing government for its good work in infrastructure and education, noting that his government will continue the excellent work that has been done. On education, he said his government will re-introduce free education for all and bring down students-teacher ratio to 35:1 to ensure quality.
According to Mr Hamad, the minimum wage for civil servants will also be increased to 150,000/- and 180,000/- for civilians and employees of security forces, respectively.
“As time goes by, we will introduce a system whereby workers will be paid every two weeks. And as the economy grows, salaries will also be increased further,” he noted.
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