Chairperson: Dr. Ahmed Gurnah, ZIRPP Deputy Executive Director
Speaker: Dr. Muhammad Juma; Director of Urban and Rural Planning
Subject: "Rapid Growth of Urbanization of Zanzibar: Its Challenges and Prospects"
Tea, Coffee and Snacks will also be served freely.
Abstract: By 2030, a total of 70% of the world population will be living in urban areas. In Africa, the situation will be the same; whereas the majority of sub-Saharans will be urban dwellers. As with all developing countries, Zanzibar is also experiencing rapid urban growth since the Revolution. In 1978, the Islands' density was 210 person per Km²; this figure has now jumped to 530 person per km² according to 2012 census. This makes Zanzibar the second largest density country in Africa. Again, by 2035, it is estimated that 51% of Zanzibaris will be urbanized. To face this reality, the newly established Department of Urban and Rural Planning started to advocate some new policy changes to enable sustainable transformation of Zanzibar toward an urbanized country.
Dr. Muhammad Juma, the Director of Urban and Rural Planning in the Ministry of Land, Energy, Water and Housing, will discuss the main challenges that include the need to influence mentality changes from a society that focuses on “land ownership” to the one that is focusing on ”urban development”.
He will pay tribute to the founders of 1964 Revolution who had dreamed the idea of urbanized Zanzibar with particular focus on “tenure” as a step toward urban development; the transformation from the “land” to the “urban” mentality that necessitates a new vision of Zanzibar that touches every aspect of the society; and urban society with its own values and beyond spatial consideration. The presenter will conclude his remarks by suggesting some possible ways and means in the efforts to face the future and cope with challenges of urbanization; and whether Zanzibar needs a second Revolution, or 'Urban Re-volution'.
Date & Time: Saturday 1 February 2014; at 4:00 pm.
Venue: ZIRPP Office; Third Floor, behind Majestic Cinema (above ZANLINK)
Please forward this message to anybody who may be interested. Those who would like to attend should send their email addresses and telephone numbers to:zirpp@googlegroups.com.
Please confirm your participation.
All are welcome.Muhammad Yussuf
Executive Director
Zanzibar Institute for Research and Public Policy
P.O. Box 4523, Zanzibar, Tanzania;
Tel: +255 242 223-8474;
Fax: +255 242 223-8475;
Cellular: 0777 707820;
Email: zirpp@googlegroups.com;
Weblog: www.zirpo.wordpress.com;
Website: www.zirpp.info