ZANZIBAR, Feb. 19 -- ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has moved to tackle the chronic transport and cargo challenges on Pemba Island, announcing the acquisition of new vessels and a directive for state-run shipping lines to take a more aggressive role in the market.

Speaking on Tuesday, during the inauguration of the newly built Chachani Mosque in Chake Chake, South Pemba Region, Dr. Mwinyi detailed a practical roadmap to fix the link between Unguja and Pemba, shifting the focus from promises to procurement.

To break the current transport deadlock, the government has secured two high-speed passenger vessels and is currently sourcing a dedicated cargo ship to provide reliable, scheduled services that have been missing for residents a...