Be vigilant, Samia tells youths

• Advises them not to be misled to undermine peace

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has called on young Tanzanians to preserve peace and patriotism, as they prepare to vote in Wednesday’s General Election, reminding them that the nation’s future depends on their character, discipline and respect for national values.

Addressing a campaign rally at Buza Tanesco grounds in Temeke District yesterday, Dr Samia said Tanzania remains a haven of stability in the region, a record that should not be taken for granted by the younger generation.

“I want to assure our youths that Tanzania is a country with dignity, peace and opportunity. Do not be misled by anyone to undermine this peace. Where we are today is far better than many places in the region,” she said, urging them to vote responsibly on October 29.

Dr Samia told youths to trust their country’s systems and avoid being drawn into violence or misinformation.

“We have built strong institutions to guide leadership transition every five years. Young people, this country belongs to you, protect it. Do not destroy your nation or its peace. Follow the law and you will live safely,” she said.

She recalled the words of the father of the nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, that national development rests on four pillars — people, land, good politics and sound leadership, noting that the CCM government has focused on investing in its people through education, health, electricity and housing.

“Tanzania’s development starts with people. We have ensured that every citizen access basic needs such as education, health care, power and clean water. Housing is the only sector that lagged behind, but we are now addressing it through government and private sector projects,” the CCM presidential flag bearer said.

Dr Samia said ongoing projects such as the construction of 400 housing units at Mtoni and other national schemes are part of a broader plan to secure decent living conditions for citizens.

She added that under CCM’s leadership, the country has strengthened both the macro and micro economy by creating markets, bus terminals and special zones for small entrepreneurs, and disbursing interest-free loans to women and youth groups through local governments.

“Our aim is to empower Tanzanians economically from the bottom up so that every citizen feels the impact of growth,” she said.

Highlighting social development as a measure of human dignity, President Samia said the government has expanded sports and creative industries, provided a platform for artists, and invested in the judicial system to guarantee fairness and justice for all.

“Human dignity means having access to health care, education, electricity, food and entertainment. We have done well in all these areas,” she said.

She stressed that Tanzania continues to respect personal freedoms enshrined in the Constitution including freedom of expression, association and livelihood as long as they do not contradict the nation’s culture and values.

Dr Samia added that her administration has promoted inclusive development, ensuring that people with disabilities are not left behind in policy and planning processes.

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“No group is excluded. We have included people with disabilities in education, employment and the preparation of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050,” she said.

She reminded voters that security agencies remain alert to guarantee a peaceful election.

“All those registered, please go and vote next Wednesday. Your Commander-in-Chief is watching over you, and our security forces are there to protect you,” she said.

Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister Ambassador Mahamoud Thabit Kombo said the sixthphase government has started implementing youth employment initiatives through foreign contracts.

“In line with the CCM manifesto commitment of eight million jobs, we have secured 50,000 foreign employment contracts for young Tanzanians aged 20 to 35. These are opportunities created under Dr Samia’s leadership,” he said.

Temeke constituency parliamentary candidate Ms Mariam Kisangi thanked President Samia for allocating 43.6bn/- under the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP) programme to construct 16.3 kilometres of roads and six crossings in the district.

“Temeke is your home, and we are grateful for projects that have ended traffic queues at Chang’ombe and Uhasibu,” she said.

Special Seats parliamentary candidate Ms Stella Ikupa commended the government for reviving training centres for people with disabilities and constructing new ones in Songwe, Ruvuma and Kigoma.

“People with disabilities have been included in the formulation of Tanzania Development Vision 2050, and we thank you for making our voices count,” she said.