The Department of Urban and Rural Planning in Zanzibar has taken up the task of producing Local Area Plans for specific areas on Pemba and Unguja islands. This is the first time in history that these areas have become subject of any planning activity. The Local Area Plans are structure plans that define development strategies to be followed and specific development management proposals and policies applicable to both private developers and the authorities.

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The first Local Area Plan was for Mkokotoni Town, and old fishing port on the western coast of Unguja island, followed by plans for Nungwi, Chwaka, Kiwengwa, Pongwe, Makunduchi as well as a special Local Area Plan is formed for Zanzibar's Town new city centre.