Abdul Rajab Mhinte has officially taken over as the new Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS) for Dar es Salaam, following a formal handover ceremony on Tuesday at the Regional Commissioner’s Office in Ilala.
The ceremony, attended by senior government officials, regional directors, district secretaries, and heads of divisions, marked the transition of leadership from Dr Toba Nguvila, who has stepped down to pursue his political aspirations in Makete Constituency, Njombe Region.
In his farewell address, Dr Nguvila thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the trust placed in him during his time in office and for approving his request to serve the people of Makete.
He also extended appreciation to Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila for his support and leadership, and urged staff to offer Mr Mhinte even greater cooperation.
“This is a normal transition within public service. I am leaving with gratitude and a strong belief in the capacity of my successor,” said Dr Nguvila.
“There are several key initiatives underway that I trust will be continued, including the construction of the Regional Commissioner’s new office, the relaunch of Kariakoo Market, upgrades to regional road infrastructure, the establishment of a regional secondary school in Kigamboni, and efforts to promote 24-hour business operations in the city.”he added
He concluded by asking for continued prayers and support as he turns his focus to serving constituents in Makete.
In his first remarks as Regional Administrative Secretary, Mr Mhinte expressed gratitude to President Samia and promised to uphold the values of public service with diligence and integrity.
“I am honoured by this appointment and the confidence shown by the President. I intend to work collaboratively with all departments, district councils, and stakeholders to ensure that Dar es Salaam remains at the forefront of Tanzania’s development,” he said.
Mr Mhinte also pledged to build on the progress made under Dr Nguvila’s leadership, particularly in implementing President Samia’s development agenda focused on economic growth, infrastructure, education, and citizen empowerment.
The leadership handover comes at a time when Dar es Salaam continues to play a critical role as Tanzania’s commercial capital and gateway to regional trade.
The new RAS faces both opportunities and challenges in managing rapid urban growth, improving service delivery, and strengthening institutional coordination across the region.