By The Respondent Reporter
Former President of the Fourth Republic, Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, has praised the leadership of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Bukombe District for organizing a Special General Meeting to present the progress of implementing the CCM manifesto for Bukombe constituency from 2020 to 2025.
The remarks were made on February 8, 2025, during the Special General Meeting at Igulwa Ward, Bukombe District, Geita Region.
"I congratulate you for organizing this meeting, as it adheres to the CCM constitution, providing an opportunity to assess where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re headed.
The CCM Constitution of 1977, revised in 2022, recognizes the General Meeting as the highest party body at the district level, and Article 74 outlines its primary responsibilities, which include discussing security, safety, and overall development in the district," President Kikwete said.
He urged CCM members to prioritize unity and the party's interests, saying, "Keep the party’s interests at the forefront.
People will come forward to run for various positions, but if they only speak empty words, tell them that we’re interested in progress, not just promises."
On the implementation of the CCM manifesto in Bukombe, Kikwete lauded President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating significant funds, which have supported the execution of numerous development projects in the area.
"You’ve witnessed the remarkable changes in Bukombe, and no region or constituency has been left untouched by President Samia’s efforts. This is the main reason why delegates at the Special General Meeting held in Dodoma this January selected her as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2025 General Elections," Kikwete said.
He emphasized that the visible projects are making a tangible difference for the people, while also recognizing Dr. Doto Biteko’s efforts to drive development in Bukombe. "You made the right decision by voting for Dr. Biteko. The good things happening in Bukombe would not have been possible without his leadership."
Kikwete encouraged the people of Bukombe to support CCM candidates in the upcoming 2025 General Elections to continue the ongoing development in the district.
The former president also expressed gratitude to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her excellent leadership, noting the country’s peace and progress across various sectors.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, also the Member of Parliament for Bukombe, Dr. Doto Biteko, presented the report on the implementation of the CCM manifesto in Bukombe for 2020-2025, thanking President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for the funds allocated to support development projects in the district.
"I would like to acknowledge that all the progress we’ve seen in Bukombe is because of the good intentions of our President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
She has shown immense care for the people of Bukombe, and during my time as MP, I have seen her allocate significant funds for various development projects," Dr. Biteko said.
He also revealed that President Samia has approved the construction of a tarmacked road from Ushirombo to Katoro, with a contractor being sought to begin construction.
Dr. Biteko added that Bukombe is set to implement a major energy project in Busonzo Ward, which will produce 5 megawatts of power to be added to the national grid.
Earlier, while presenting a report on development projects in the constituency, Dr. Biteko highlighted various initiatives, including improvements to infrastructure, healthcare services, water supply, and the construction of classrooms, dormitories, laboratories, and latrines in schools.
In the energy sector, he noted that electricity has now reached all 64 villages in the constituency, creating investment opportunities and boosting the local economy.
In education, Dr. Biteko mentioned several key projects, such as the construction of a teacher's house at Bulumbaga Primary School (costing 40 million Tanzanian shillings), the construction of eight classrooms at Msonga-Ikuzi Secondary School (costing 160 million Tanzanian shillings), and the building of 28 latrines at Msonga Primary School (costing 47,439,000 Tanzanian shillings).
In healthcare, the construction of health cente
rs, dispensaries, and the upgrading of district hospitals has significantly improved the delivery of healthcare services, with completed projects including the Kagwe Dispensary (costing 50 million Tanzanian shillings), Lyambomgongo Dispensary (50 million Tanzanian shillings), and Ishololo Dispensary (101,223,889.86 Tanzanian shillings).
Other completed projects include the construction of a grain storage facility in Msangila (costing 993,314,906.24 Tanzanian shillings), drilling a deep well in Namonge village (costing 16,348,900 Tanzanian shillings), and repairing a damaged section of the Uyovu-Namonge-Namarandula road (costing 90,161,000 Tanzanian shillings).
Dr. Biteko also thanked district councilors for their effective oversight of development projects in their areas and assured them of continued collaboration to improve the lives of the local people.
Geita Regional Commissioner, Martin Shigella, praised former President Kikwete for laying the groundwork for the country’s education system, ensuring children have access to education.
"Under President Samia’s leadership, we’ve built 150 new schools. Back when you drafted the manifesto, President Kikwete, you recognized the challenges parents faced in educating their children.
Today, thanks to President Samia, we receive 1.1 billion Tanzanian shillings every month for children’s education," said Regional Commissioner Shigella.
He also added, "President Samia has provided 15 ambulances for emergency transport, which we have distributed to our hospitals and health centers.
Our region has also received over 165 million dollars to support water projects in Chato, Geita District, and rural areas, enabling us to achieve the government’s goal of providing clean and safe water to the community."
Bukombe District CCM Chairman, Matondo Luhonja, praised MP Dr. Doto Biteko for his responsiveness, diligence, and cooperation with the local people, highlighting that his strong leadership has contributed significantly to the successful implementation of development projects.
The meeting, attended by thousands of Bukombe residents, concluded with entertainment by popular contemporary music artist Harmonize.
