Samia sets five-year agenda

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday inaugurated the 13th National Assembly in Dodoma, stressing that all development initiatives over the next five years will focus on uplifting and enhancing the dignity of Tanzanians.

The Head of State directed government officials, including those who will be soon appointed to prepare and set up strategies to accomplish government objectives.

In her 26-page address, President Samia reminded lawmakers that during her campaign inauguration, she outlined key priorities that her government would tackle within the first 100 days in office and that so far, a total of 7,000 teaching positions and 5,000 health-sector positions had already been announced.

She said the move is an initial step toward meeting citizens’ demands for improved education and healthcare services.

“Since the promises we made are many, aspirations are high, expectations are great and the time to fulfill them is limited, we shall accelerate the implementation of government plans to achieve the goals we have set… Tanzanians need positive changes for development. If public officials do not change to meet the expectations of the people, we will change them!” she warned.

President Samia assured the public that her government will be accountable and continue with policy reforms that directly affect the welfare and livelihoods of the people.

She added that for the government to be truly responsive, leaders at all levels from ministers to Ward Executive Officers (WEOs) must remain close to the people, understand their challenges and remain accountable.

“During the campaign period, my running mate and I traveled across the country seeking votes. We listened to citizens, understood their needs and carried their aspirations into our vision for a better future. We promised that if entrusted once again with the responsibility of leading our nation. This means that every effort we undertake to drive development will aim at uplifting and enhancing the dignity of the people of Tanzania,” she said.

She further assured that the government will promote access to economic opportunities and foster hope for youth, women, persons with disabilities and the elderly, in both urban and rural areas.

President Samia also called on Members of Parliament to support state development plans aimed at building sustainable economic growth, as outlined in the National Development Vision 2025–2050, which seeks to create an inclusive, prosperous, just and self-reliant nation.

She highlighted strategies including increased investment in high-employment sectors such as agriculture, tourism, industry, construction and mining.

Over the next five years, she pledged, the government will complete the ongoing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project and initiate new lines from Tanga to Musoma and from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay (Ruvuma), reaching Mchuchuma and Liganga.

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The government will also oversee improvements to existing lines, including the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).

“I pledged my personal cooperation, and that of the sixth-phase government, in implementing all these initiatives for the benefit of Tanzanians whom you represent. My appeal to you is to offer cooperation to the government,” she said.