CCM anniversary boosts businesses in Dodoma
DODOMA: DODOMA’S business community and residents experienced a significant economic surge as the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) celebrated its 48th anniversary yesterday.
The influx of visitors for the event proved a boon for local businesses, also highlighting the party’s continued growth, as revealed by its Secretary General, Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi.
Amb Nchimbi told the party supporters, who packed Jamhuri Stadium to capacity, that CCM’s membership had surged to 12,208,213, up from just 103,923 in 1977.
The party’s branches have also expanded from 6,424 in 1977 to 23,430 branches nationwide today.
“To keep pace with this growth, the leadership’s goal is to preserve the party’s deep-rooted integrity and continue fostering development for the people,” Amb Nchimbi said.
“Our integrity and commitment to bringing progress to the nation are the driving forces behind CCM’s continued attraction of new members and fanatics alike, as demonstrated by the turnout at today’s anniversary celebration.”
Amb Nchimbi noted that, during the preparations for the anniversary, at least 6,000 members from Zanzibar and another 4,000 from Mwanza had requested to attend the Dodoma event.
However, due to limited space, he suggested reducing the number of attendees. He attributed the growing enthusiasm for CCM’s celebrations to the government’s significant achievements and the party’s dedication and hard work.
In general, the transport and hospitality sectors in Dodoma benefited the most, playing a crucial role in accommodating and transporting the influx of guests.
Bodaboda (motorcycle taxis) and tricycle operators were seen working at full capacity, ferrying people from Dodoma’s Samia Suluhu Railway Station and bus terminals to hotels and lodges as well as various other locations.
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However, some visitors were at crossroad upon arriving at hotels, guesthouses and lodges, as most facilities were fully booked.
No vacancies signs greeted those seeking accommodations. Service providers had to redirect them to other venues.
“We’ve been receiving a high number of inquiries about available rooms. Our facilities are fully booked and the CCM celebrations have truly been a blessing for us,” said one anonymous lodge manager.
Mohamed Elias, a bodaboda rider near Jamhuri Street in Dodoma, described the city’s hospitality boom as profitable few days.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), I was extremely busy and earned a lot of money. Customers were calling from bus terminals, the SGR station, and other locations. Those who hadn’t booked accommodations were searching for available rooms, but most of the hotels and lodges were already fully booked,” he explained.
Food vendors, known locally as Mama Ntilie, along with bars and restaurants, also saw a significant surge in business, as the streets of Dodoma came alive with visitors eager to sample local delicacies and refreshments.
“This celebration has really energised businesses here in Dodoma. People are constantly moving, eating, drinking and socialising. The city is vibrant, and we’re witnessing the economic benefits of such large gatherings,” said Sauda Amir, a local resident of Jamhuri Street.
Regional party Chairman Alhaji Adam Kimbisa acknowledged the influx, noting that it has greatly benefited local residents.
“It’s been nonstop. Just two weeks ago, we hosted the party’s Extraordinary General Meeting, which also brought a large number of people from various parts of the country and abroad. Dodoma is a safe and welcoming city,” he said.
The CCM anniversary celebration not only highlighted the city’s hospitality sector but also reinforced Dodoma’s growing role as a vibrant business hub, thanks to its increasing importance as Tanzania’s political centre.
