CCM pledges cargo vessel for Mtwara
MTWARA: CCM presidential running mate Ambassador Emmanuel Nchimbi has pledged that if the party is re-elected in the upcoming General Election, the government will construct a large cargo ship to transport goods from Mtwara Port to the Comoros Islands.
Speaking at a campaign rally held yesterday at Kassim Majaliwa grounds in Tandahimba Constituency, Mtwara, Amb Nchimbi said the initiative will be a major driver of trade, job creation and market expansion for agricultural products from the Southern Highlands, particularly cashew nuts, which are the economic mainstay of Mtwara and Lindi regions.
“We all understand the importance of cashew production to our economy. Tandahimba alone has gained national recognition for its high cashew output,” Dr Nchimbi said.
He noted that the proposed cargo ship forms part of the CCM manifesto, which prioritises agriculture and economic empowerment through enhanced access to regional and international markets.
“That’s why CCM’s manifesto emphasises our commitment to ensuring agricultural input subsidies, fertilisers and improved seeds reach the farmers. We will also strengthen the cashew pricing system so farmers can fully benefit from their labour,” he added.
Amb Nchimbi said that the CCM-led government has already invested billions of shillings in cashew farming inputs and subsidies, significantly boosting production and increasing farmers’ incomes.
He said that over the next five years, CCM will intensify efforts to modernise agriculture by increasing the number of extension officers, equipped with tools and training to enhance productivity.
Beyond agriculture, Amb Nchimbi outlined a series of infrastructure and social service projects planned for the Tandahimba constituency.
These include construction of a modern bus terminal and building a new public market.
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Upgrading key roads to tarmac level, including the 74 km Mtama–Newala and Tandahimba–Mkunwa–Mangaba– Msimbati roads In the water sector, he announced projects that will draw water from the Ruvuma River and expand distribution networks to under served areas.
In healthcare, the plan includes construction of two new health centres, establishment of 12 dispensaries and upgrading the district hospital In education, CCM pledges to build four new primary schools, two new secondary schools, 185 new classrooms and ten science laboratories.
Amb Nchimbi also emphasised the government’s commitment to alternative energy, citing a natural gas project that includes the construction of a 34-kilometres gas pipeline from Ntorya to Madimba. The project aims to reduce energy costs, particularly easing the burden on women.
Also speaking at the rally were CCM parliamentary candidates for Nanyamba, Mr Abdallah Chikota and Tandahimba, Mr Katani Katani, who both thanked voters for their continued trust in CCM and highlighted the party’s track record in implementing its development agenda.
Mr Chikota noted that in the past five years, Nanyamba has made remarkable progress, where health centres increased from zero to five, secondary schools built in all nine wards and significant improvements in road infrastructure.
He added that over 90 per cent of residents in the constituency are farmers, who have benefited from government subsidies on cashew inputs and the establishment of a cashew processing plant.
Mr Katani echoed the sentiment, citing the ongoing construction of the Mtwara– Tandahimba Road, valued at 68bn/- and a water project worth 487bn/- as evidence of CCM’s strong commitment to local development. He also praised the 786bn/- subsidy for cashew inputs as a major boost for farmers.
