Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has set 2030 as the target for completion of key Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) links connecting Mwanza and the Lake Zone to Dodoma, directing the Government to accelerate construction and financing of the projects.
Dr Mwigulu said the target would allow passengers from Mwanza and neighbouring regions to travel by SGR to Dodoma, improving connectivity between the Lake Zone and the country’s administrative capital.
He issued the directive yesterday, September 4, 2026, while moving a motion to adjourn the 13th Parliament’s Fourth Meeting in Dodoma.
He directed the Ministries of Finance and Transport, Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), contractors and institutions responsible for mobilising project financing to work together to speed up implementation.
“I direct the Ministries of Finance and Transport, working with TRC, contractors responsible for constructing these sections and those tasked with mobilising financing, to work day and night,” Dr Mwigulu said.
The Prime Minister singled out the Mwanza-Isaka, Isaka-Tabora, Tabora-Kigoma and Makutupora-Dodoma sections, saying their implementation should be accelerated to meet the Government’s 2030 ambition.
“If possible, by 2030, delegates from Mwanza, Mara, Shinyanga, Geita and Kagera attending the CCM General Congress should come to Dodoma by SGR from Mwanza,” he said.
The proposed connection is strategically important for the Lake Zone, one of Tanzania’s major economic areas, where agriculture, mining, manufacturing and trade generate significant passenger and freight traffic.
Faster completion of the railway could also strengthen links between production centres and markets while offering an alternative to road transport for both passengers and cargo.
In another directive, Dr Mwigulu ordered the Ministry of Minerals to take action against holders of multiple mining licences who have failed to develop the areas allocated to them.
He said inactive licences were restricting opportunities for Tanzanians, particularly young people and small-scale miners, to participate in the mining industry.
“Cancel those licences in accordance with the law and reallocate those areas to Tanzanian investors, Tanzanian youth and small-scale miners,” he said.
The directive comes as the Government seeks to increase participation by Tanzanians in mining and ensure that mineral rights translate into actual investment, production and jobs.
Dr Mwigulu also directed Government institutions to reduce unnecessary expenditure, including spending on official vehicles, travel, meetings, workshops and conferences.
He said resources saved through tighter spending should be channelled towards priority development areas, particularly education.
The Prime Minister warned that demand for education services is expected to increase significantly from 2028, making prudent management of public resources essential.
“If we do not change our spending habits, our children could return to studying under trees. We should not go back there. We have already moved beyond that,” he said.
He also called on ministers, permanent secretaries, regional and district commissioners, Government officials and local authorities to improve the way they handle citizens’ complaints.
He said authorities should listen to residents, resolve their concerns promptly and provide feedback, stressing that visits by senior leaders should not replace routine problem-solving by Government institutions.
With heavy rains expected in some parts of the country from the fourth week of September into the first week of October, the Prime Minister directed disaster management committees from village to national level to strengthen preparedness.
He called for early identification of high-risk areas and urged authorities to ensure rescue equipment, emergency services and communication systems are ready.
On health, Dr Mwigulu said the Government had continued implementing Universal Health Insurance since January 2026 and urged Tanzanians who can afford contributions to join the scheme.
He said the Government had allocated more than Sh48 billion to support treatment of diseases whose costs are beyond the means of many citizens.
Dr Mwigulu said preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) were continuing, including construction and rehabilitation of stadiums and improvements to transport, water, electricity and health infrastructure.
He said Tanzania should ensure the tournament delivers lasting economic benefits beyond the competition itself.
He also urged Tanzanian clubs participating in CAF competitions to perform well and called on citizens to support all teams representing the country.
Dr Mwigulu later moved a motion for the 13th Parliament’s Fourth Meeting to be adjourned until October 27, 2026, when lawmakers are expected to resume sittings in Dodoma.