July 24, 2002	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13,1423

ZANZIBAR (Tanzania), July 23: The Aga Khan and Zanzibar’s Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha on Tuesday signed an agreement to implement a rehabilitation plan for the seafront area of Zanzibar’s “Stone Town.

The agreement was signed after a private meeting between the Aga Khan and President Amani Abeid Karuma.

The seafront area, dotted with many historic buildings and spaces, is one of the most culturally and economically significant parts of the town, recently designated by UNESCO as a heritage site.

The agreement envisages schemes to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the island, especially the “stone town”.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture and the Zanzibar Ports Corporation also signed a memorandum of understanding to design a development plan for a section of the old port area.

Redevelopment of the historic gateway to the stone town is expected to protect and preserve the urban fabric as it enhances the area’s value as a vibrant public space.