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Zanzibar posts 31.1 pct increase in revenue collection in 2016

Xinhua, January 1, 2017 Adjust font size:

Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein on Saturday revealed that the Isles' economy remained strong and his government has increased revenue collection by 31.1 percent this year as compared to 2015.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous part of Tanzania.

In his speech to welcome New Year 2017, Shein said that the Isles' government collected 441.3 billion Tanzanian shillings (201.2 million U.S. dollars) between January and November in 2016 from its internal revenue sources, up from 336.6 billion Tanzanian shillings during the same period in 2015.

He, however, disclosed that in this year's second quarter (April-June), Zanzibar's economy grew at 6.2 percent.

He further disclosed that the Zanzibar government received 54.53 billion Tanzanian shillings from development partners between January and October in 2016.

He also pledged that in the coming year, his government will continue to improve the Isles' economy for the benefit of Zanzibar people.

Shein further said that in 2016, his government improved health service delivery including the launching of the pediatric ward at the Mnazi Mmoja National Hospital Zanzibar as well as the launching of the Abdallah Mzee Hospital in Pemba Island, which has been built with the support from China.

Among other achievements, Shein said that the elderly over 70 years of age, are being paid 20,000 Tanzanian Shillings per month.

He said that the number of the elderly has gone up from 21,263 who were registered in November 2015 to 26,603 in November this year.

He also said that the signing into law, the Oil and Gas Development/Management Bill, will also help the Tanzania's semi-autonomous part to manage its own natural resources.

He also said that his government will continue to work on the challenge related to unemployment, by offering loans, providing reliable markets and training for Zanzibar entrepreneurs in 2017.

He also assured visitors that they shouldn't hesitate to visit the spices island of Zanzibar because of the prevailing peace and tranquilities.

"My government will ensure that security of Zanzibar people and visitors is on their hands," he said. Endit