WHY Zanzibar continues to face critical shortage of water under new government is one of the common questions asked by the people in many parts of Zanzibar hardly a month after the general elections. Ending the prolonged water blues in Zanzibar was one of the promises made during the election campaigns by the incumbent leaders from both political parties.
Shortage of the utility even at the main Mnazi Mmoja General Hospital continue unabated in post-election Zanzibar as leaders in the Government of National Unity (GNU) from both Chama CCM and CUF take-off to implement what they promised during campaign. “We are very happy that we are leaving peaceful environment, but life without water is a horrible life.
Our leaders should address the problem as soon possible,” Mr Rashid Juma, a resident in Zanzibar Stone Town says. Since there is no official opposition in the House, he said, “We the local people should join with active NGOs, and pressure groups to act as the official opposition in and outside the House.” Ms Salma Hamoud, women activists says what people need is improved services: accountability, commitment, lack bureaucracy, respect of human rights, and discipline at work.
Leaders from the political parties forming Zanzibar’s ‘fragile coalition’ government have started showing that they are in the position for the people. “Discipline in using public properties including cars in important. Cars should be used only for work, and not for private business,” cautioned the Zanzibar First Vice-President, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad. Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi, the Second Vice-President, has asked civil servants to “start showing your commitment to work, do not wait’’.
He has made it clear that the people have the right to question us what we promised them during the elections.” Change of culture has been going on in Zanzibar’s new Government of National Unity (GNU) with ministers from different political parties working together to implement the winning party- CCM manifesto.
However, some analysts think that some programmes from CUF manifesto may be included under the spirit of reconciliation, which the President of Zanzibar, Dr Ali Mohammed Shein, has repeatedly said was for the advantage of the Zanzibaris. The issue of solving water shortage in most parts of Zanzibar has been going on as last week the ministry responsible for water signed a contract with Japan (JICA) to continue working on the project.
The use of public cars after working hours has also drastically dropped, and workers report and leave on time (7.30am to 3.30pm) at their work places following orders from Mr Hamad. The question that needs to wait to get an answer is whether the cooperation between CCM and CUF in Zanzibar will be sustained, particularly implementing orders from all leaders regardless of political affiliation.
It is on record that President Shein and Mr Hamad have said that lessons from Kenya and Zimbabwe GNU would make Zanzibar the best model of GNU in Africa. Calls on Zanzibar authorities to promote justice and accountability, and to ensure freedom of association and freedom of the press, as key elements of democratic development, in the post-election environment continue.
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