CCM vows steady progress

MARA: CCM presidential candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, has called on Tanzanians to protect the progress achieved over the past four years by giving her administration another mandate to complete transformative projects underway in the Simiyu and Mara regions.

Speaking yesterday at campaign rallies in Lamadi (Simiyu), Bunda and Musoma (Mara Region), Dr Samia said the CCM-led government had worked diligently to implement development initiatives across key sectors such as agriculture, education, health and infrastructure.

“Development is a journey that begins with a single step. No government can do everything at once, but we have worked hard to touch every sector, from agriculture and livestock to roads and education,” she told residents of Lamadi in Busega District, Simiyu Region.

She pledged that if reelected, her government would maintain the momentum of social development by expanding primary and secondary schools, building a VETA college to equip youths with practical skills and completing rural electrification in all sub-villages.

Dr Samia also highlighted plans under the Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (TACTIC) project, which include construction of a modern market and a bus terminal in Nyashimo in Busega District, aimed at boosting local trade and creating jobs.

She said CCM’s development record speaks for itself, citing visible transformation in both rural and urban areas over the past four years.

“We have balanced national priorities while ensuring real improvements in people’s daily lives,” she said.

In Bunda District, Dr Samia said that CCM’s manifesto prioritises critical social services, including water, education, electricity and health as the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

She noted that her administration has already invested in the construction of new health centres, dispensaries and fishfarming projects, which are now creating employment opportunities for young people.

“We’ve built health facilities, improved the supply of medicines and medical equipment and launched fish-farming initiatives that are helping youths. In our next term, we’ll continue value addition and expand modern roads,” she added.

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Dr Samia urged Tanzanians to exercise their democratic right peacefully and turn out in large numbers on October 29th, noting that effective leadership requires experience and continuity.

“Running a country is not trial and error. Leadership should be entrusted to those with a proven track record,” she said. She reaffirmed that CCM’s decades of tested leadership have ensured peace, stability and steady progress for all Tanzanians.

At the Bunda rally, CCM Vice-Chairman (Mainland), Stephen Wasira described Dr Samia as a capable and experienced leader, who has successfully completed major national projects inherited from past administrations. “We are not bringing you a learner, but a leader who has already steered the country forward,” he said.

He cited the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP) as key flagship projects being pushed forward under Dr Samia’s leadership, noting their potential to deliver immense benefits to the Lake Zone and the entire country.

“The SGR from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma is already operational. By the end of the next term, it will reach Mwanza. These are transformative projects that strengthen our economy and create jobs,” he said.

In Musoma Municipality, Dr Samia reaffirmed her commitment to completing all pending projects outlined in the 2025–2030 CCM Election Manifesto and expanding economic empowerment initiatives.

She highlighted the TACTIC programme, under which the government is constructing markets and bus terminals nationwide to boost trade. She also said the 10 per cent revolving fund for youths, women and persons with disabilities would continue to drive inclusive economic empowerment.

She reiterated that fee-free education from primary school to Form Six remains a central policy to relieve families of school-related expenses. Additionally, irrigation schemes and dams will be established to promote year-round agriculture.

“Under the new manifesto, we will complete all ongoing projects and continue to economically empower our citizens,” she said.

Dr Samia also pledged to extend tarmac roads, upgrade Mara Airport to handle larger aircraft and rehabilitate Lake Victoria ports to enhance crossborder connectivity with Uganda and neighbouring countries.

She also promised to complete the SGR link from Tanga to Musoma, which she said would revolutionise trade and drastically reduce transport costs.

“The SGR from Tanga to Musoma will bring an economic revolution to this region. Now it’s up to us to go and vote for CCM to ensure this work continues,” she urged.

Dr Samia also cautioned voters against division and misinformation, accusing opposition parties of trying to weaken CCM through false narratives.

“I know there are some people who are unhappy and working with the opposition to destabilise CCM. But let me be clear, CCM does not fall. On October 29, let us go out in large numbers and vote for CCM,” she said.