By Rashid Mabrouk Ali, Tanzania
My name is Rashid, I am 33 years old, and this is my story about the ocean. The story is about Mangapwani-Bubwini; A place where the government of Zanzibar decided to build a multipurpose port. They called it Mangapwani but I called it home. Mangapwani–Bubwini, My Village.
While the government is in the process of bringing development to the people of Zanzibar, citizens are also hoping to find employment and success. I, Rashid, look at my origins; the village where my grandfathers and grandmothers were born. I have no other place than Mangapwani. I am the 8th generation of the descendants of our village Bubwini-Mangapwani. Suddenly sadness reigns. I’m going to lose my identity.
Once nestled along the serene shores of Zanzibar, our village thrived in harmony with the ocean. Generations of fishermen cast their nets into the blue depths, while children played on sandy shores, their laughter harmonizing with the rhythmic clapping of the waves.
But change loomed on the horizon when the government announced plans to build the Multipurpose Mangapwani Port, promising economic prosperity but threatening our way of life. Relocation became inevitable as bulldozers arrived, displacing families and disrupting the tranquility we once knew.
Amidst uncertainty, the ocean remained a steadfast companion, whispering tales of resilience and adaptation. As construction commenced, fishermen forged new paths, navigating turbulent waters to sustain their livelihoods. Children, once confined to village boundaries, explored the vast expanse of the sea, discovering its boundless wonders.
Despite initial resistance, the village embraced the port’s arrival, recognizing its potential to connect our community with the world beyond. With time, the clatter of commerce replaced the whispers of tradition, as bustling docks welcomed cargo ships from distant lands.
Yet, amidst progress, echoes of the past lingered. Elders shared stories of bygone days, when the ocean was more than a conduit for trade but a source of sustenance and solace. And as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of amber upon the waters, we found solace in the timeless rhythm of the tides, anchoring us to our roots amidst a sea of change.
Thus, our village’s tale intertwined with the ocean’s, a symbiotic relationship shaped by adversity and adaptation. And though the landscape may have transformed, the spirit of Mangapwani endured, eternally bound to the ebb and flow of the tides.
Emotionally I put the pen down with the feeling of not being able to write more than this. I dedicate this story to my late grandfather and grandmother who are sleeping peacefully in Mangapwani-Bubwini Areas.
“Journeys to the Sea” is a new series of inspiring stories that highlight the personal connections of marine professionals with the ocean. As a follow up to World Oceans Day on June 8th, WIOMSA is excited to launch a three-month-long celebration dedicated to the ocean. The series will feature 34 unique stories from across the Western Indian Ocean region. These stories will share firsthand accounts of ocean-related experiences, reflections, and narratives from participants who have been part of the Sida-funded International Training Programme on marine spatial planning, “Planning for a Sustainable Blue Future in the Western Indian Ocean”. The stories have been part of the Ocean Storytelling component of the workshop, led by Dr Mia Strand, Nelson Mandela University. Read the collection of stories here.
Feature photo: Ongoing construction of the Mangapwani Multipurpose Port. © Zanzibar Ports Cooperation
