ZANZIBAR, Tanzania, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Stone Town, the historic core of Tanzania's Zanzibar City, is undergoing a wide-ranging restoration program to preserve its architectural and cultural integrity, according to a local official.
Suhad Sultan Alawi, director of Control and Monitoring at the Stone Town Conservation and Development Authority, told Xinhua that this year alone, the government has allocated about 11 billion Tanzanian shillings (about 4.31 million U.S. dollars) to the effort.
The initiative, which also includes the upgrading of streets, roads and public spaces, reflects a renewed commitment by authorities to safeguard the island's heritage.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of East Africa's most treasured cultural landscapes, Stone Town is defined by its maze of narrow streets, coral rag architecture, intricately carved wooden doors, and a living heritage shaped by African, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences.
Alawi told Xinhua that restoration progress has been steady, despite the inherent complexity of restoring historic structures. Around 20 buildings have already undergone major renovation, including five funded directly by the government, while development partners and private investors are supporting others through public-private partnerships.
Among the most prominent projects is the restoration of the iconic House of Wonders, which is now about 60 percent complete, Alawi said. Other notable efforts include the Old Fort and the historic High Court building in Vuga, which is nearing completion.
Several smaller buildings have already been successfully restored, he added, noting that the process has not been without challenges.
"Many of the specialized materials required for restoration, particularly for Grade 1 heritage buildings, are not available locally and must be imported, often resulting in long delays," he said.
For example, key structural elements for the House of Wonders, such as cast iron columns and beams, have had to be sourced from abroad, with shipping timelines of up to six or seven months. Alawi said that even traditional materials like mangrove poles can be difficult to procure consistently.
Despite these logistical hurdles, restoration work is progressing steadily, with local community involvement serving as a cornerstone of the initiative. As most properties in Stone Town are privately owned, residents are actively engaged through awareness programs, restoration campaigns and access to free technical consultations.
The government's role, Alawi emphasized, is primarily to regulate and monitor, while ownership and stewardship remain with the people. The goal is to ensure that Stone Town remains a living heritage site, authentic, resilient and enduring.
"In the years to come, visitors will once again walk through Stone Town's winding alleys and vibrant spaces, discovering a heritage that has been carefully preserved and thoughtfully renewed," Alawi added. ■
