Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate, has outlined eight key commitments to residents of Mtwara, promising continued socio-economic development if re-elected in the upcoming October general election.
Addressing large public rallies in the region, Dr. Samia emphasized that her leadership would focus on practical interventions to improve livelihoods while preserving Tanzania’s cultural heritage.
Investment in Technology
Dr. Samia pledged that the next five years would see significant government investment in technology to enhance efficiency across sectors. She emphasized that this modernization effort would be implemented alongside a commitment to protecting Tanzanian traditions and customs.
Quality Education for Children
Highlighting the importance of education, Dr. Samia promised to strengthen access to quality learning, particularly in science and mathematics, by hiring more teachers and bridging long-standing staffing gaps.
She argued that these measures would equip Tanzanian children with competitive knowledge and produce a skilled workforce essential for a modern economy.
Expansion of Water Projects
The presidential hopeful reaffirmed her commitment to the Nakonde water project, sourced from the Ruvuma River, which aims to provide reliable water access in Nanyamba and rural Mtwara.
She noted that improved water supply would drastically reduce the long distances residents currently travel to access this essential service.
Agricultural Support and Irrigation
Dr. Samia emphasized continued support for farmers, particularly cashew growers, through subsidies for inputs such as fertilizers.
She also pledged to expand support for other high-value crops like sesame and pigeon peas and to increase irrigation schemes, ensuring reliable production cycles.
Agricultural machinery rental centers would be established to provide farmers access to modern technologies at minimal cost.
Land Management to Reduce Farmer-Herder Conflicts
To address recurring land disputes, Dr. Samia promised systematic land surveying and planning, aiming to resolve conflicts between farmers and pastoralists. Additionally, she pledged to expand grazing land from three million hectares to six million hectares by 2030, creating space for pastoralists and reducing tensions over land use.
Health Sector Improvements
Dr. Samia committed to strengthening healthcare delivery, including the provision of modern medical equipment and the recruitment of additional health professionals within her first 100 days in office. She noted that while regional referral hospitals and private facilities have improved services, more investment is needed to ensure residents access reliable healthcare near their communities.
Expansion of Mtwara Port
Recognizing the strategic importance of Mtwara Port for southern trade, Dr. Samia pledged to further enhance its capacity and efficiency. She stressed that improved port infrastructure would facilitate direct export of key commodities, including cashew nuts and coal, and would support agricultural supply chains, boosting regional and national economic growth.
Southern Tanzania Railway (SGR) from Mtwara to Mbambabay
Dr. Samia outlined plans to construct a modern railway linking Mtwara to Mbambabay, spanning over 1,000 kilometers.
The project is envisioned as a catalyst for southern Tanzania’s economic development, improving the transport of agricultural, industrial, and mineral products while creating jobs, attracting investment, and reducing logistics costs.
Dr. Samia concluded by urging Mtwara residents to vote for CCM, emphasizing that citizen support is pivotal to realizing these development initiatives. She positioned the party as a reliable vehicle for sustaining growth, enhancing infrastructure, and creating opportunities that directly impact livelihoods in Mtwara and beyond.