Zanzibar — THE World Bank will continue to support development projects in Zanzibar, WB Regional Representative Mr Phillippe Dongier assured President Ali Mohamed Shein

when the two met at the Isles State house. Mr Dongier whose office covers Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi said he was impressed with the government's commitment in development and hinted that the bank will continue providing assistance so that the Isles achieves its goals. He said unemployment remains a problem in many countries but that through workable planning to create job opportunities, the problem, mostly affecting youths, can be minimized.

According to a press statement issued by the state house, Dr Shein informed his guest from the World Bank that unemployment was one of the major challenges facing the Isles. "We are committed to promoting agriculture, fishing, tourism, and investments in light industries, to improve the economy and create jobs for our youths including college graduates," said Dr Shein.

He said, however, meeting the objective would require development partners' sustainable support and hard work on the part of the people of Zanzibar. The World Bank has been supporting Zanzibar in various programmes including education, environment, and the development of Zanzibar town plan as Dr Shein expressed his gratitude to the bank for the support received so far.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia millionaire Sheikh Al-Yousef yesterday met with First Vice President Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, and promised to help poor families in Kiuyu-Micheweni village, North Pemba. Micheweni, according to the office of the government statistician, is among the regions in Zanzibar with high level of poverty, and Al- Yousef said he would also provide clothes for both adults and children.

Mr Hamad thanked him for the initiative. Al-Yousef also said his charitable society has started to develop agricultural projects in the village so that there are good harvests for the people. Prior to the meeting with Mr Hamad, Sheikh Al- Yousef met with Dr Shein and said he had already approved a project to construct 400 houses in Pemba.