Kaleya Melita Mollel, the Councillor for Msitu wa Tembo Ward, has been unanimously elected as the new Chairperson of Simanjiro District Council in Manyara Region, receiving all 24 votes cast by attending councillors.
Edosi Evaristi Ndikwiki, representing the Simanjiro District Executive Director, confirmed that Mollel’s election reflects the councillors’ strong confidence in his leadership.
During the same session, the councillors also elected Mwanjaa Jacob, a Special Seats Councillor from Terrat Division, as Vice Chairperson for a one-year term, with all 24 councillors voting in her favour.
The election, held in Orkesumet township, involved councillors from all 18 CCM wards alongside six special seats representatives.
Ndikwiki urged the councillors to foster strong cooperation with council staff, emphasising their responsibility to serve the community.
"Work together with council officers, support each other, and resolve conflicts constructively. Avoid disputes that may hinder progress. Our goal is to drive development forward," he said.
Jackson Kisaka, representing the Manyara Regional Administrative Secretary, stressed that councillors must prioritise solving community challenges, particularly land disputes.
"Having taken your oath, remember that your role as leaders is to serve the people. As a ward development chairperson, your responsibility is to guide and support your community in achieving development," Kisaka said.
In his acceptance remarks, Chairperson Mollel expressed gratitude for the unanimous support and called for collaboration among all councillors.
"I thank all councillors for your trust. Let us work together to serve the people who elected us and address their needs to advance development," he said.
Mollel also announced the composition of key council committees. The Finance, Administration, and Planning Committee includes Vice Chairperson Mwanjaa Jacob, Albert Msole, Taiko Kurian Laizer, Jackson Ole Materi, and Rehema Laizer.
Taiko Laizer, Councillor for Naisinyai Ward, was elected Chairperson of the Social Services Committee overseeing education, health, and water services.
Albert Msole, Ngorika Ward Councillor, will lead the Economic, Works, and Environment Committee.
The Land Committee members are Salome Mnyawi, Councillor for Mirerani Ward, and Jackson Ole Materi from Terrat Ward.
Meanwhile, Manyara Region’s representatives in the Association of Local Authorities of Tanzania (ALAT) are Yohana Shinini of Emboreet Ward and Paulina Makeseni, a Special Seats Councillor from Moipo Division.