By Costantine Sebastian, Zanzibar – His Highness the Aga Khan yesterday assured Zanzibar of continued support in undertaking development projects, including setting up a microfinance scheme that will provide loans amounting to more than Sh1 billion.
Speaking during the opening of the refurbished Forodhani Park, the Aga Khan said the initiative would offer about 1,000 loans to different segments of Zanzibaris.
Forodhani Park has been rehabilitated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) at a cost of $3 million (Sh3.9 billion) from the initial estimates of $2.4 million (over Sh3 billion).
The facelift involved the restoration of walkways, landscape, infrastructure upgrading, incorporating lighting, sewerage drainage and civic amenities, and the rehabilitation of the seawall fronting the park.
He said that the trust was ready to undertake the second phase of the seafront project to give the area a new attractive look.
The Aga Khan said the success of the project was the outcome of great partnership when people, the public sector and international organisations come together to implement a common cause.
Ismailimail 