CCM pledges agri reforms

TABORA: CCM Presidential candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday pledged continued reforms in agriculture and livestock sectors if she wins in the next general election.

Dr Samia vowed continued support through subsidised fertilisers, construction of cattle dips and livestock vaccination programmes.

Dr Samia made the promises when addressing campaign rallies at Iramba, Singida Region as well as at Igunga and Nzega in Tabora Region.

She also reiterated the government’s plan to procure 10,000 tractors to be hired out to farmers at 30,000/-, compared to the 60,000/- charged by private tractor owners in most areas.

Meanwhile, Dr Samia, who is the incumbent President highlighted significant achievements attained during the Sixth-Phase government in implementation of development projects, attributing to a strong management and firm action against corruption.

She stressed that her administration has successfully curbed corruption and ensured proper implementation of major projects, which are now being appreciated across the country.

“Wherever we go in this country, people are acknowledging the government’s good work. We have implemented many development projects that are vital in improving people’s welfare,” she said.

She added: “These major projects require significant funding. The government has been working tirelessly to secure resources from different sources, including borrowing What matters most is ensuring that the funds are well spent for the benefit of Tanzanians.”

Dr Samia reiterated that her government has been able to fight corruption and promote good governance, which has resulted in the smooth execution of development initiatives.

She said that government institutions, public organisations and even private stakeholders have worked together to ensure proper supervision and timely implementation of projects.

She further pointed out that various international organisations have commended Tanzania for its progress in fighting corruption, an achievement that strengthens governance and prevents embezzlement of public funds.

She stressed that some countries are unable to showcase successes like Tanzania’s due to entrenched corruption.

Dr Samia expressed gratitude to both the public and private sectors for their cooperation in tackling corrupt practices.

She said the government takes pride in transforming the country by extending essential services to ordinary citizens.

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If elected in the October polls, she pledged to continue implementing projects in key sectors such as water, health, infrastructure and energy.

Among the major undertakings, she mentioned the expansion of clean and safe water supply and the completion of rural electrification programmes to connect all villages and hamlets.

The government, she said, is also prioritising electricity supply to small-scale mining sites to boost the mining sector.

“We understand that small-scale mining contributes 40 per cent of government revenues from the mining sector. That is why we are committed to supporting the sector so that miners can increase production and reap more benefits,” she said.

She explained that the government has already issued 77 mining licences to small-scale miners in Nzega.

Nzega parliamentary candidate, Mr Hussein Bashe applauded the sixthphase government, describing it as a vivid example of transformative leadership that has improved lives in both urban and rural areas.

He said most regions now have reliable access to basic social services including water, health and education.

Citing examples from Nzega, Mr Bashe explained that a few years ago, residents had electricity only three days a week.

Today, all villages and hamlets enjoy reliable power supply.

He added that in the past, residents had to walk up to five kilometres in search of water, but now all villages are served with clean water from Lake Victoria.

On infrastructure, he said that the area had only 160 kilometres of tarmac roads four years ago, but now boasts 517 kilometres.

In agriculture, he said productivity has risen due to government support through subsidised fertilisers and guaranteed markets.

Nzega alone produced 180,000 tonnes of tobacco last season.

Cotton production has also improved significantly in Igunga District, which received 9bn/- worth of subsidised fertilisers, raising output to 40,000 tonnes from just 11,000 tonnes in previous years.

Earlier, during her final campaign rally at Misigiri in Singida, Dr Samia reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the Lake Victoria water project as planned.

“We will secure the necessary funds. Dr Mwigulu and I know where to get the money. This project is crucial and must be completed,” she assured the crowd.

On minerals, she revealed that 192bn/- has already been earned from mineral sales in Singida, with proceeds directly benefiting local miners.

She said 32 new mining licences have been issued to groups in Singida after revoking idle ones from individuals who were holding mining sites without conducting any activities.

Dr Samia urged youths in Singida to seize opportunities created by the ongoing construction of the Hoima– Tanga crude oil pipeline.

“These are opportunities you should take advantage of. Make sure you seize them for your own development,” she encouraged