ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’S Second Vice-President (2VP), Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdulla has urged members of the House of Representatives to work closely with the government to ensure the successful implementation of the 2026/2027 National Development Plan.
Speaking on Friday while formally closing the Second Meeting of the 11th House of Representatives, Mr Abdulla said that the government remains committed to delivering on the promises outlined in the 2025–2030 election manifesto and those made by President Hussein Mwinyi during the 2025 General Election campaign.
He reassured legislators that the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar is taking concrete steps to ensure citizens continue to access essential services, including clean water, healthcare, electricity and education.
Highlighting progress in the education sector, Mr Abdulla noted a steady rise in national examination performance in 2025 compared to 2024, particularly at Form Two and Form Four levels.
He said the government plans to increase the education budget to one trillion Tanzanian shillings in the 2026/2027 fiscal year, expand higher education loans, recruit more teachers and improve teachers’ welfare.
On accountability, the 2VP stressed that public leaders and civil servants must uphold professionalism and comply with public service laws and regulations, warning that disciplinary measures will be taken against those who violate established rules.
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Mr Abdulla also expressed concern over rising road accidents, revealing that 33 accidents were recorded in January 2026 alone, claiming 24 lives, most of them young people.
He directed law enforcement authorities to take firm action against traffic offenders. With the long rainy season approaching, he urged citizens to take early precautionary measures, including clearing drainage systems and relocating from flood-prone areas.
Addressing the holy month of Ramadan, Mr Abdulla assured the public that essential food supplies are sufficient and warned traders against unjustified price hikes.
He also noted that the government has reduced food import duties to ease the cost burden.
During the session, members asked a total of 181 primary questions and 372 supplementary questions, all of which were answered by ministers and deputy ministers, reflecting active parliamentary oversight.
The House also conducted elections for various parliamentary leadership positions and deliberated on key national matters, including the President’s inaugural address and the National Development Plan framework.
Mr Abdulla thanked members of the House, parliamentary staff and stakeholders for ensuring the session proceeded peacefully and efficiently, before formally adjourning the House until May 6th, this year.
