Arusha urban constituency race: CHAUMMA candidate spells out his plans

ARUSHA: AS the election race heats up in Arusha Urban Constituency, one candidate is drawing attention for his fresh ideas and people-centred approach to leadership.

Mr John Lema, Chama cha Ukombozi wa Umma (CHAUMMA) parliamentary candidate, says his campaign is rooted in practical solutions that touch the everyday lives of Arusha residents — from schoolchildren and small traders to local investors and transport operators.

Speaking in an interview with the ‘Daily News’, the 36-year-old candidate said his top priority, if elected, will be to introduce a public transport system specifically for dayschool pupils in nursery and primary schools across the city.

“Every morning and evening, children struggle to get to school safely and on time. Parents are worried, traffic is chaotic and attendance suffers,” he explained.

“A well-organised public transport system for pupils will not only enhance safety and punctuality but also bring peace of mind to parents.”

Mr Lema believes that the city’s education system needs urgent attention. He has pledged to expand classroom space by constructing multi-storey school buildings, a strategy he says will address land scarcity and accommodate Arusha’s fast-growing student population.

He also promises to introduce school feeding programmes, offering pupils morning porridge and lunch to keep them focused and reduce truancy.

Beyond education, Mr Lema envisions an industrial transformation in Arusha through strategic support for local investors.

He plans to create a conducive investment environment where entrepreneurs can access low-interest loans with long repayment periods of up to 10 years.

“These loans will empower citizens to start industries in areas like food processing, agriculture and electrical equipment manufacturing,” he said. “Once production begins, repayment becomes easy and employment opportunities increase — especially for youth and women.”

To ensure transparency and accountability in the use of municipal loans, Mr Lema proposes reforms to the 10 per cent council loan scheme.

He says funds should reach genuine beneficiaries at the grassroots level, working closely with street chairpersons, ten-cell leaders and local officials to identify and vet applicants.

He further plans to help informal workers, including tailors, builders and food vendors, formalise their businesses by acquiring Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TINs) and National IDs (NIDAs). This, he said, will enable them to qualify for loans and access social protection services, including health insurance.

“Many hardworking citizens, such as bodaboda and bajaji riders, food vendors and market women, lack health coverage. When they fall ill, they lose both income and dignity,” he said, adding; “It’s time to include them in health insurance schemes so that they can access affordable, reliable medical care.”

He also has a strong message about environmental cleanliness. To him, Arusha, known globally as the “Geneva of Africa”, must live up to its reputation as a clean and orderly city.

Mr Lema says waste management remains inefficient and outdated, relying on open dumpsites that should have been phased out long ago.

If elected, he vows to make city cleanliness a weekly culture, declaring the end of every week as a citywide cleaning day involving all residents. “Cleanliness begins at home,” he said.

“Each citizen will be responsible for maintaining hygiene in their surroundings. Contractors who handle waste collection must use modern recycling technologies to convert garbage into fertiliser and reusable materials.”

On security and public safety, he says he will collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to enhance accountability and ensure residents and their property are well protected.

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He notes that Arusha’s population is diverse and politically mature, a community that evaluates candidates based on ideas rather than party loyalty.

“People of Arusha are not tied to any party. They judge by vision, by character and by the ability to deliver development,” he observed.

Highlighting Arusha’s unique profile, Lema described it as Tanzania’s tourism and diplomacy hub — home to international organisations, conferences and global visitors.

“The city’s charm lies in its calm weather, hospitality and scenery. We must preserve this image by maintaining order and stability that allow tourism and trade to flourish,” he says.

“The government allocates significant funds for projects in roads, water, education and health — but poor supervision wastes these resources. I want to fix that,” Lema adds.

Lema, who also serves as CHAUMMA’s Regional Chairperson for Arusha, insists that his decision to contest the parliamentary seat comes from a personal conviction to serve.

“This is not just politics, it’s about service. I want to use my education and experience to give back to the community that raised me,” he said.

With his blend of youthful energy, professional background and people-first agenda, Mr Lema’s entry into the Arusha Urban race has undoubtedly added new spice to the constituency’s election battle.