Zanzibar suspends construction permits in water catchment areas
Zanzibar authorities have suspended construction permits in water catchment areas to prevent flooding and protect natural drainage systems. Officials are calling for stricter land-use planning and environmental assessments to ensure residential safety.
Why it matters
Urban planning and environmental protection are increasingly critical in regions vulnerable to climate-driven flooding and rapid, unplanned development.
You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.
ZANZIBAR authorities have suspended the issuance of construction permits in areas identified as water sources and natural drainage channels.
Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla issued the directive yesterday during an inspection tour of rainwater drainage channels in various areas of Urban West ‘A’ District, Unguja, where he identified challenges that could worsen flooding in residential and other densely populated areas during periods of heavy rainfall.
Unplanned construction in water catchment areas was among the factors disrupting natural water flow, with encroachment on drainage channels likely to expose communities to flooding and damage to property, he said.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in