The National Chairperson of the Women’s Wing (UWT) of the ruling party, Mary Pius Chatanda, has witnessed the signing of five infrastructure contracts worth TZS 13.3 billion in Rufiji District, funded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The funds are earmarked for upgrading roads and bridges across the district to enhance connectivity and spur development.
Speaking during the ceremony held on May 7, 2025, at the Ikwiriri bus terminal grounds, Chatanda said, “This investment by President Samia is not only a commitment to the ruling party’s manifesto but a bold step towards transforming infrastructure and uplifting the lives of citizens in Rufiji and beyond.”
The contracts include the rehabilitation of the 28-kilometre Nyamwage road, a 1.4-kilometre tarmac road from Chumbi to Kiegele, the 12.3-kilometre Mohoro–Mtanga road, the 7.5-kilometre Mohoro–Ndundutawa road, and the construction of paved roads within Ikwiriri town centre.
Coast Region TARURA Manager, Leopold Runji, provided details of the projects: “Once completed, these roadworks will significantly improve access to markets, schools, and health facilities. Rufiji will be better connected with neighbouring districts and regions, stimulating economic and social growth.”
The infrastructure event was followed by the launch of the “Mchengerwa Mtu Kazi” football league by Rufiji MP and Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports, Mohamed Mchengerwa. The league, which kicks off on May 8, features 169 teams from 13 wards.
Mchengerwa handed over jerseys and footballs worth TZS 67 million and pledged TZS 25 million in cash prizes for the winners.
“This league is about more than football. It’s about community engagement, youth empowerment, and promoting health through sports,” said Mchengerwa. “We want to nurture talent while strengthening unity and discipline among young people.”
Chatanda commended him for his commitment to both infrastructure and social development. “Let’s be honest, not every leader can translate development funds into tangible results,” she said.
“Your MP has gone beyond expectations he’s not only executing government projects effectively but also uniting communities through sports and youth initiatives.”
As part of her visit, Chatanda also toured the construction of a party staff house and a modern district hall project valued at over TZS 2.5 billion, financed through support mobilized by Mchengerwa from various friends and stakeholders.
On education, Chatanda praised the growth in the number of schools in the district. “I am deeply impressed by the rise in primary and secondary schools in Rufiji. This is a clear sign that our government is committed to making education accessible to every child,” she said. She called on parents to seize the opportunity and send their children to school.
Mchengerwa added, “When I entered Parliament, Rufiji had only 40 primary schools. Today we have 63.
Health centres have also grown from just 3 to 9. These are not just numbers they represent lives changed, futures built, and hope restored.”
The delegation also inspected the renovation of Rufiji District Hospital and the construction of a medical waste incinerator in Utete, which cost around TZS 900 million.
“These health improvements are critical. I urge men to accompany their wives to clinics and be actively involved in family health. It’s time we embraced responsible fatherhood,” Chatanda emphasized.
Addressing the issue of gender-based violence, she urged parents to instill moral values in their children: “Let us raise our children with discipline and respect. The internet should not be their main teacher. We must protect our cultural and family values.”
In her closing remarks, she encouraged citizens to register and vote in upcoming elections: “This is your chance to shape the future. Vote wisely and support the party that has proven its commitment to your development Chama Cha Mapinduzi.”
