Zanzibar has marked a major milestone in its infrastructure development with the official inauguration of the first flyover ever constructed on the islands, aimed at reducing long-standing traffic congestion and supporting economic activity in the West Urban Region of Unguja.
The Citizen
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The flyover, located at the busy Mwanakwerekwe junction—a critical link between the airport, Amani, Fuoni and Zanzibar City centre—was officially opened on January 6, 2026, by Zanzibar’s President, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
The Citizen
President Mwinyi described the project, named the Hussein Ali Hassan Mwinyi Mwanakwerekwe Flyover, as a strategic development designed to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and ease the movement of people and goods across the islands. He said quality infrastructure was a key pillar for economic growth, attracting investment, and strengthening business opportunities in Zanzibar.
The Citizen
Officials also highlighted the role of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) in delivering the project, noting that the flyover stands as a symbol of pragmatic China–Africa cooperation in expanding critical infrastructure in the region.
Belt and Road Portal
The flyover forms part of a broader urban road network upgrade programme that includes 100.9 kilometres of improved roads and two elevated junctions—the Mwanakwerekwe structure and another at Amani. It was constructed at a total cost of about TSh 23.7 billion, with features such as dual carriage lanes, service roads, pedestrian walkways, modern drainage systems, street lighting and road markings designed to enhance both transportation efficiency and safety.
The Citizen
Local residents welcomed the new infrastructure, saying it will significantly reduce travel time, daily congestion and transport costs for commuters, traders, service providers and students who regularly navigate the once-heavily congested junction.
The Citizen
At the inauguration, President Mwinyi also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to compensating all citizens affected by the construction, vowing that no one displaced by public works would be denied fair and lawful payment.
habarileo.co.tz
The milestone comes as Zanzibar continues to invest in major projects across transport, tourism and urban development sectors, reflecting the government’s broader agenda to modernise infrastructure and improve residents’ livelihoods.
