CCM promises regional growth

SONGEA: CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, has pledged to establish industries that add value to agricultural produce in the Southern Corridor, aiming to boost economic growth and development.

Speaking at a campaign rally at VETA grounds in Songea Municipality yesterday, President Samia, who was accompanied by her running mate, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, said that if re-elected, her government would prioritise setting up processing industries in Ruvuma Region.

These industries would focus on adding value to various crops, such as coffee and avocado, before they are exported.

“We are going to install modern machinery to process and add value to our goods before exporting them, so both farmers and the country benefit more,” President Samia said.

She also pledged to establish industries for adding value to forest products, with plans to set up such an industry in Madaba District.

Highlighting ongoing developments, Dr Samai noted that an investor has already established a sugar factory and sugarcane plantations in Peramiho constituency.

“This is a great opportunity for Ruvuma Region and Tanzania at large. Many young people are gaining employment and contributing to the national economy,” she said.

President Samia further stressed that her government will continue encouraging investors to expand their businesses, citing the existing coffee factory in Songea that currently employs 3,000 Tanzanians.

“We will establish more industries to create additional jobs and strengthen the country’s economy,” she affirmed.

She added: “In January this year, African coffee-producing countries met here in Tanzania and agreed to add value to our coffee before exporting it. Tanzania is already on this path.”

On agriculture, President Samia praised Ruvuma Region for its strong food production, which plays a significant role in safeguarding national food security.

She attributed the increase to government efforts in providing subsidised fertilisers and agricultural inputs. She noted that the government has built 28 food storage warehouses in Madaba, Songea and Namtumbo districts.

The president also promised to continue implementing development projects in the Southern Corridor to promote regional trade and economic growth.

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“We will open up the Southern Corridor by building a 1,000-kilometre modern railway line from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay, upgrading roads and completing ports and airports,” she said.

She highlighted improvements at Songea Airport, where a runway of over three kilometres long has been completed and the passenger terminal is 75 per cent finished.

She pledged that if elected, the government will construct a modern market in Songea Municipality to accommodate small-scale traders (machinga).

“If elected, my government will continue development projects, including water supply, electrification of remaining hamlets, and improvements in education and health services,” she added.

President Samia also promised to build a special college for people with disabilities in Peramiho and to establish a branch of the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) in Songea Municipality, with a capacity to enroll 10,000 students.

She further pledged to construct a bypass road to ease congestion in Songea Municipality. On his part, her running mate, Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi praised President Samia’s development efforts over the past five years, noting that all hamlets, villages, and wards have benefited from various projects.

“I want to thank you for choosing me as your running mate. In 2015, when I announced my retirement from active politics, you told me I was still young and needed by the party. Since then, I have served as Ambassador, CCM Secretary General, and now I stand here as your running mate. I thank you sincerely,” he said.

Amb Nchimbi urged Tanzanians to vote for CCM candidates in the upcoming General Election, promising inclusive development over the next five years.

Peramiho constituency parliamentary candidate, Ms Jenesta Mhagama, praised government support to farmers through subsidised fertilisers and inputs, noting that food production in Ruvuma Region has risen from 1.3 million tonnes to 1.7 million tonnes.

“With subsidised fertiliser, the region’s economy has grown. We now see modern houses, young people owning motorcycles, and engaging in various businesses,” she said.

She also highlighted significant improvements in health services, citing a reduction in maternal deaths from 556 to 104 per 100,000 women annually.

Ms Mhagama further pointed to progress in water supply, education, transport, and other sectors.

Songea Urban constituency parliamentary candidate, Dr Damas Ndumbaro urged the government to continue fertiliser subsidies to maintain Ruvuma’s strong food production.

He applauded the government and ruling party for numerous projects over the past five years, including a water project worth over 100bn/- aimed at ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water.

Dr Ndumbaro also highlighted major infrastructure improvements, such as new roads and expanded tarmac networks in Songea Municipality.

Meanwhile, President Samia also addressed campaign rallies in Namtumbo and Tunduru, where she pledged to implement major development projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of Tanzanians.

She said the government is planning to construct a 120MW power station in Tunduru, with the goal of promoting industrialisation and ensuring a reliable supply of electricity.