Shein leads clean-up exercise in Zanzibar

ISSA YUSSUF in Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Ali Mohammed Shein (left), leads other government leaders in a special environmental clean-up exercise held at the Mombasa Market as part of activities to mark the 52nd anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution in Unguja Urban District. (Photo by State House)

THE people of Zanzibar kicked off celebrations for the 52nd Revolution anniversary by taking part in a national cleaning exercise led by President Ali Mohamed Shein who emphasized on the need for sustainable hygiene of the surroundings.

“Let us maintain cleanliness because filth is the source of many diseases including cholera, and malaria as mosquitoes and other pests breed in damp environment,” said Dr Shein after the cleaning exercise.

Dr Shein and other leaders from the government and regional administration turned out for the early morning cleaning exercise at Mombasa Fruits and vegetables market in the Municipality.

The president said it is absurd that leaders are encouraging and campaigning about the lack of cleanliness, but people are not taking it seriously, “forgetting that hygiene is good for our lives.”

“Some places like Malindi fish market are once again dirty after December 9, 2015 National cleaning exercise led by Union President Dr John Magufuli. I direct the health, and Municipal Council officers to act tough so that our environment remains clean,” said Dr Shein.

He said cleaning our homes, workplaces, and other surroundings should be everyone’s priority. He emphasized on enforcement of health regulations/laws and increased public awareness.

“The government decided to launch the 52 anniversary of the 1964 Revolution celebration by conducting a nationwide cleanliness exercise just to remind people of the importance of keeping our country clean to avoid diseases such as cholera which has so far affected more than 500 people in the Islands. Let us work together,” Dr Shein said.

Meanwhile, the President asked people to turn up in big numbers in all activities listed for the anniversary, saying Mapinduzi (revolution) remains a symbol for unity and solidarity for Zanzibaris.

“We are all obliged to value and celebrate Mapinduzi because it inevitably led us to independence. Most of us remember the Revolution with happiness, but there are those who recall it with sadness.

However, it is a fact that Mapinduzi was necessary,” said Dr Shein. Earlier, the Second Vice- President, Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi, who also chairs the ‘Mapinduzi celebrations organizing team’ said the climax of the Revolution on January 12, 2016 at Amani Stadium, will be attended by union President Dr John Magufuli, Ministers from Union Government, Ambassadors, and retired leaders.