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Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume and his Highness the Aga Khan arrive at the newly refurbished Forodhani Park in the historic Stone Town, which was officially opened on Thursday. The park has been rehabilitated at a cost of $3 million by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

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).

Please download the full brief from the PDF link below.

Stone town seafront rehabilitation: forodhani park

Zanzibar, 29 July 2009 – The US$ 2.4 million restoration of Forodhani Park in Zanzibar’s Historic Stone Town has been completed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).

Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim

His Excellency President Karume and Mrs. Karume
Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Zanzibar
Honourable Chief Justice
Honourable Minister Mansour Himid, and I thank you for your very kind words
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

It is a distinct pleasure for me to be part of this great occasion - in this very special setting.

The US$ 2.4 million restoration of Forodhani Park in Zanzibar’s Historic Stone Town has been completed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).

The restoration of Forodhani Park is intended to be part of a larger seafront rehabilitation programme, encompassing: construction of the seawall; underground infrastructure including water, storm and sewer lines; and, the creation of a pedestrian promenade, including planting, street lighting and street furniture along the sea side.

H.H.The Aga Khan arrived in Mombasa on 22nd July for AKDN work, meetings with government officials in the East Africa region.

He landed in Nairobi on 25th and will be visiting the AKUH the next day leaving on 28th for Dar es Salaam and then heading to Zanzibar for the opening of the Forodhani Park on 30th.

Princess Zahra is presently in Nairobi since 20th July for AKU Board of Trustees meetings.

His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Ismaili Muslims and Zanzibar's Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha today signed an Agreement of Co-operation to initiate a comprehensive urban rehabilitation proposal for the Seafront Area of Zanzibar's Stone Town, after a private meeting with President Amani Abeid Karume.
The Seafront Area, characterised by many historic buildings and public open spaces, is one of the most culturally and economically significant parts of the Stone Town, itself recently recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

A warm winter day at Breezes Beach Club. Photo: Susan WyndhamSusan Wyndham explores Zanzibar's heady mix of history and culture.
Invisible behind loudspeakers in their minarets, the muezzins start their call to prayer at 6.20 on a Friday night. The fugue of male voices bounces off Stone Town's rusting roofs. A canvas-sailed dhow passes in front of the red sun as it melts into the Indian Ocean. Zanzibar is at its most Arab and ancient.

Consideration of the marine and maritime dimensions of Zanzibar's history and culture, broader tourism opportunities and major education projects were among the expanded development initiatives agreed by the Aga Khan, during a three-day visit to Tanzania.
In meetings with Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume and Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, the Aga Khan explored various cultural and economic development possibilities relating to the marine and maritime aspects of the island's history.

Prince Amyn Aga Khan and Zanzibar’s First Lady, Her Excellency Madame Shadya Karume, unveil a plaque commemorating the start of rehabilitation work in Forodhani Park, 18 January 2008.

Zanzibar: Consideration of the marine and maritime dimensions of Zanzibar's history and culture, broader tourism opportunities and major education projects were among the expanded development initiatives agreed by the Aga Khan, during a three-day visit to Tanzania.