Residents of Rujewa Ward in Mbarali District, Mbeya Region, have expressed strong appreciation and renewed hope after a working visit by District Executive Director Raymond Mweli, who directly engaged with citizens, listened to their concerns, and provided immediate responses to several long-standing challenges.
The visit, conducted on April 15, 2026, included a public meeting, inspections of business areas, transport facilities, and key development projects.
DED Mweli also assessed challenges facing traders at Rujewa Market, reviewed operations at the bus terminal, inspected a livestock infrastructure project, and checked progress on classroom construction at Ihanga Primary School.
Residents said the visit marked a new approach to leadership, where community concerns were not only heard but also acted upon promptly.
Traders noted visible improvements at the Rujewa bus terminal shortly after the engagement, including basic maintenance works aimed at improving accessibility and business activity.
Speaking during the public meeting, Maklina Mbilinyi, a trader at Rujewa Market, said the intervention had brought immediate relief to business operators who had long struggled with poor infrastructure at the bus stand.
She said traders had repeatedly raised concerns about the condition of the terminal, but no visible action had followed for a long time.
According to her, the recent visit changed the situation, as improvement works began, restoring confidence among small business owners who depend on daily customer flow.
Mbilinyi also raised a key concern about transport operations, calling for motorcycle taxis, commonly known as bajaji, to be allowed into the bus stand to improve passenger access and support local businesses.
She said many traders, especially women, have been affected by reduced customer access as passengers are dropped outside the terminal instead of inside.
She explained that allowing bajaji inside the station would help increase customer flow, revive idle business stalls, and improve revenue collection for both traders and the government.
She further highlighted the need for improved accountability in infrastructure development, pointing out the poor condition of the Igawa–Rujewa road.
Another resident, Nuhu Juma, commended the District Executive Director for what he described as a practical and people-centred leadership style.
He said it was the first time many residents had witnessed such direct engagement and immediate attention to their concerns, which has restored trust in local governance.
In response, DED Raymond Mweli emphasized that addressing citizen concerns is a core responsibility of government leaders and not a favour to the people.
He said public service requires leaders to listen, respond, and act on challenges affecting communities, adding that his office will continue prioritizing direct engagement with citizens to ensure timely solutions.
On the issue of bajaji operations at the bus stand, Mweli acknowledged the concern and said the matter will be discussed with relevant local leaders, including the ward councillor, to reach a practical and fair solution that supports business growth while maintaining order at the facility.
Regarding the Igawa–Rujewa road, he clarified that it falls under TANROADS, the national agency responsible for major roads. He added that the District Commissioner’s office has already communicated the issue to the relevant authorities for urgent attention.
Mweli further noted that improving infrastructure remains a key priority, though it requires significant investment.
He said, based on existing revenue collection levels, the council would need about Sh. 900 billion to acquire modern equipment capable of effectively maintaining road networks and other infrastructure.
The visit has been widely welcomed by residents, who see it as a positive step toward more responsive and accountable local leadership.
Many expressed hope that the commitments made will be implemented, leading to improved services, stronger infrastructure, and expanded economic opportunities in Rujewa and the wider Mbarali District.
