During her ongoing campaign in Mtwara Region, CCM presidential candidate Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan addressed communities in Mangaka, Masasi, and Nakapanya, outlining key commitments on agriculture, infrastructure, and social services.
Mangaka: Boosting Agriculture and Irrigation
In Mangaka, Dr. Samia highlighted achievements under input subsidy programs, noting significant increases in crop production. Cashew output rose from 15,000 to 24,000 tonnes, generating over TZS 73 billion for farmers.
Other crops such as groundnuts increased from 26,100 tonnes worth TZS 65 billion to 33,170 tonnes valued at TZS 82.9 billion, while sesame production rose from 1,580 tonnes (TZS 3.9 billion) to 11,800 tonnes (TZS 38.8 billion).
Pigeon peas also increased from 1,130 tonnes (TZS 1 billion) to 5,950 tonnes, yielding TZS 10.8 billion.
Dr. Samia said these gains have enabled farmers to build better homes, educate their children, and improve their livelihoods. She also announced that irrigation projects in Likokona, Lukula, and Masugulu are nearing completion to further boost crop yields.
Infrastructure and Roads
On energy infrastructure, Dr. Samia noted progress on a TZS 307 billion electricity grid project connecting Songea–Tunduru–Masasi, including substations in Tunduru and Masasi, with Tunduru station already 50% complete. She pledged continuous improvement of urban and regional roads and construction of bridges where needed. She also committed to addressing challenges from crop-damaging wildlife and increasing official grazing areas for pastoralists from 3.4 million to 6 million acres by 2030.
Masasi: Agriculture, Energy, and Industrial Development
In Masasi, Dr. Samia reiterated her support for input subsidies, fertilizers, pesticides, and livestock vaccination programs.
She promised to expand irrigation schemes to double annual crop production and establish industrial processing plants in each district to enhance crop value.
Dr. Samia also highlighted road upgrades, including the Minivata–Newala–Masasi route, and the completion of Minivata–Mtesa (100 km) and other urban roads.
She emphasized electricity expansion and plans to connect Mtwara and Bambabay ports by rail to boost trade and transport.
Small traders, including boda bodas, bajaj operators, and street vendors, will continue to receive support through market access and microfinance initiatives.
Nakapanya: Health, Water, and Agriculture
In Nakapanya, Dr. Samia promised to complete the Namiungo health center and other unfinished clinics and dispensaries to improve access to health services. She pledged clean water for all households and continued electrification, including connecting all sub-villages.
On agriculture, she reaffirmed subsidies for fertilizers and inputs and pledged to expand irrigation schemes and dams to allow farmers to grow crops twice yearly. Five unmanned drones will be deployed to combat crop-damaging wildlife in high-risk areas.
Protecting Farmers’ Income
Dr. Samia also assured that the government is in talks with major markets, including India, to maintain crop prices at no less than 60% of global rates, safeguarding farmers’ incomes.