NEW YEAR 2025: Tanzania sets bold plans

ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has outlined the achievements made last year, including unveiling ambi tious plans to finalise ongoing key projects and initiate new strategic ones in 2025.

In her New Year address to the nation yesterday, President Samia emphasised the government’s commitment to improving social services, including health, education and electricity access.

“We will drive develop ment through infrastructure construction, empowering youth and women in small and medium enterprises and enhancing national resil ience,” she assured.

Among the key projects set to commence in 2025 are the Kibaha-Chalinze Expressway (78.9 km), a Mandatory Motor Vehicle Inspection Project, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) expansion under DART and the construction of a Four-Star commercial complex and hotel at Julius Nyerere International Airport under the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA).

The government will also focus on completing strategic projects, including the Julius Nyerere Hydro power Project (JNHPP) and the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge, which is currently 94 per cent complete and expected to be finalised by February this year.

Efforts will also prioritise decongesting major urban centres, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya and Dodoma, while improving transportation in rapidly growing towns.

The Head of State also pointed out that significant progress is already evident in projects such as the Dodoma City Ring Roads Project, which is 80 per cent com plete, the Uyole-Ifisi-Son gwe Airport Road Expan sion in Mbeya, currently at 20 per cent completion, and the Phases 3 and 4 of the BRT, with services set to commence on the completed Mbagala corridor (Phase 2).

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In early 2025, the Stan dard Gauge Railway (SGR) is expected to begin cargo transportation between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, handling 1 million tonnes annually.

This aims to stimulate economic corridors, boost productivity, and create employment. Additionally, the Mwanza-Isaka SGR sec tion will be completed and become operational, while construction will continue on the Kigoma section as scheduled.

President Samia reiter ated the country’s commit ment to the 4Rs philosophy – Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding.

She highlighted the government’s dedication to media freedom, freedom of speech, and the right to assembly, underscoring by the growing number of media outlets and platforms for public expression.

The government will also finalise the National Development Vision 2050 early this year after pub lic consultations, ensuring broad participation in shap ing the nation’s development goals.

In 2025, the government will also receive a Tax Reform Commission report, which will guide improvements in tax structures and business environment.

Additionally, criminal justice reforms will continue, including finalising policies and amending related laws.

The government will also strengthen legal aid services, with 495,552 citizens already benefiting from the Mama Samia Le gal Aid Campaign under the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs.

President Samia described 2025 as a pivotal year for political and democratic growth, with the country set to hold its General Election to elect the President, Members of Parliament, and councilors.

In Zanzibar, citizens will elect the President of Zanzibar, the Chairperson of the Revolutionary Council, Members of the House of Representatives, and councilors.

Preparations for the election included consultations with political stake holders, leading to amend ments in the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Government Election Act, the Independent National Electoral Commission Act, and the Political Parties Act.

“It is our belief that these laws will effectively guide the upcoming elec tions. I urge citizens and stakeholders to uphold Tan zania’s reputation as a bea con of democracy built on the foundation of freedom and justice,” she stated.

Reflecting on 2024, President Samia hailed it as a historic year filled with progress and optimism. She expressed confidence in Tanzania’s economic resilience, ability to tackle challenges, and citizens’ commitment to national development.

“As we step into 2025, I encourage all Tanzanians to work diligently, with integrity, professionalism, and dedication, to contribute to our nation’s progress,” she urged.