By Alfred Zacharia
With firm steps and a listening ear, Iringa District Commissioner, Mr. Kheri James, concluded a transformative village-to-village tour across the Kiponzelo Division, leaving behind not just speeches, but a renewed spirit of collaboration and action.
Spanning several days and covering the wards of Ifunda, Lumuli, and Kihanga, the tour wasn't a mere box-checking exercise.
It was a people-first mission aimed at bringing government closer to the communities, physically, emotionally, and practically.
In an era where citizens often feel distanced from decision-makers, DC James' grassroots approach provided a refreshing contrast.
At each village stop, the commissioner rolled up his sleeves and engaged in heartfelt dialogue with the people.
From farmers raising concerns about input costs, to mothers worried about nutrition for their children, to teachers advocating for improved school infrastructure, no voice was too small, and no question too inconvenient.
The forums were far from one-sided.
Heads of government institutions and technical experts were on hand to give real-time updates on development plans, service delivery, and ongoing initiatives.
This transparency not only built trust, but also showcased a government willing to be held accountable.
“Leadership is not about giving orders from a distance. It’s about listening, acting, and ensuring that no community is left behind,” DC James emphasized in one of the meetings.
Agriculture, which remains the backbone of Kiponzelo’s economy, dominated many of the discussions.
Farmers aired their frustrations over inconsistent rainfall, high fertilizer prices, and access to extension services.
In response, the Commissioner pledged to follow up on strategic interventions that would ensure resilience and productivity, especially in the face of climate change.
But it wasn’t all about problems. Many villages used the opportunity to showcase local initiatives from youth groups involved in entrepreneurship, to environmental conservation programs led by women’s cooperatives.
These stories of grassroots innovation reinforced the tour’s broader message: development is most sustainable when it comes from within.
Security, public service access, and education also featured prominently. In one village, a parent expressed concern over the distance children had to walk to school.
In another, health workers raised the alarm about undernutrition. DC James took notes, posed questions, and assured follow-up, not just with words, but with a demonstrated readiness to coordinate action across sectors.
Crucially, the commissioner’s tone was not that of a distant official, but of a partner. His message to the people was clear: “You are not spectators in development. You are the drivers.”
By the end of the tour, what emerged was more than a report of meetings held, it was a sense of unity in purpose.
Residents were reminded that development isn't a favour; it's a right. And their role in shaping it is central, not peripheral.
With this tour, Comrade Kheri James has not only strengthened the bond between the people of Kiponzelo and their government, he has also set a compelling example of leadership that listens, learns, and leads by doing.
As the dust settles in Usengelindete and surrounding villages, what remains is a trail of hope, expectation, and a renewed promise: that no voice will go unheard, and no village will be left behind.