JAPAN has extended a grant of 331,154 US dollars (about 430m/-) to support development projects in Zanzibar.

The aid will be implemented through Grant Assistance for the Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP) plan in Sizini and Msuka in Pemba, and Kitope in Unguja Island.

Japanese Ambassador to Tanzania Mr Makoto Iko signed the agreement with representatives from specific local communities.

Mr Ali Masoud Kombo (Sizini water Supply project), Mr Khamis Mohamed Khamis (Msuka-Kipange water project), Mr Nawawi Khamis Jafar, (Kitope dispensary), and Mr Hamid Rajab Juma (Library), signed the papers respectively, as other government leaders who were present witnessed.

Mr Iko said his country was committed to strengthening good relationship between the two countries.

"Clean and safe water is indispensable to the development of the country. In Pemba it is common to see women and children walking distances to fetch water," Mr Iko said.

"After the completion of the projects, the workload of women and children will be reduced, and they can spend more time in other productive activities," he added.

The Civic United Front (CUF) members who were present at the function entertained the public, before presenting a gift to Ambassador Iko in appreciation to what his country was doing for Zanzibar especially at Sizini and Msuka-Kipange in Pemba.

The construction of a library at Maisara had stalled for more than a decade, and according to the Zanzibar Library Services director, Mr Hamid Rajab Juma, the library would be completed in six months' time.

The Zanzibar Ministry of Finance and Economy Affairs Principal Secretary (PS), Mr Khamis Mussa, expressed his appreciation on behalf the Zanzibar government to the government of Japan, promising to use the grant as planned.

"We appreciate the efforts of Japan in helping the development in health, water, education sectors, but our challenge is to have the products sustained," Mr Musa said.