CCM unveils irrigation plan

SHINYANGA: CCM presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has unveiled an ambitious plan to build 738 irrigation schemes across the country.

She said the initiative will boost food production, increase farmers’ incomes and fast-track the nation’s goal of achieving 10 per cent annual growth in agriculture.

Addressing campaign rallies in Maswa, Simiyu and Shinyanga regions, Dr Samia said irrigation and mechanised farming would form the backbone of her administration’s next development agenda, if re-elected.

“When I retire and return to Kizimkazi one day, I want to leave behind an agriculture sector growing at ten per cent. Agriculture, livestock and fisheries are the heart of our economy,” she said.

She said the ongoing subsidy programmes for fertilisers and livestock vaccines, together with new irrigation infrastructure, will ensure farmers increase yields and improve their livelihoods.

Dr Samia added that the projects would benefit all regions, creating equitable opportunities for rural transformation.

Continuing her campaign trail in Shinyanga Region yesterday, Dr Samia said the government is determined to consolidate the progress achieved in the past four years and speed up completion of ongoing projects that directly improve people’s lives.

“We have moved a step forward in the past five years and in the next term we are ready to take the next steps, because development is a journey. I assure you, we are prepared to do even greater things,” she said.

She said CCM’s 2025– 2030 manifesto focuses on inclusive development that upholds the dignity of every Tanzanian through education, health, water, clean energy and economic empowerment programmes.

In Shinyanga, Dr Samia cited visible progress in infrastructure and social services, including the 49bn/- Ibadakuli Airport, a 24bn/- modern bus terminal and a 195bn/- water-supply project that is expanding access to clean and safe water across the city.

She said such projects demonstrate CCM’s experience and ability to deliver.

“No other government has ever directed this level of investment toward the people, and we are committed to doing even more in the next term. Governing a nation is not an experiment; it requires experienced leadership and a proven track record of delivering results,” she said.

In Kahama, she pledged to continue improving specialised medical services so that residents could no longer travel long distances for treatment.

She also promised to expand vocational education and ensure children with special needs receive equal learning opportunities.

“Everyone deserves quality services such as health, education, water and power. We must serve every person as God created them,” she said.

At Maganzo in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region, Dr Samia commended smallscale miners for their contribution to national revenue, noting that artisanal mining now accounts for 40 per cent of earnings from the minerals sector.

She said the government had increased licences from 332 to 1,766 in five years and will continue supporting miners with training and machinery. “We have resolved many disputes between mining companies and local communities and we will keep empowering our small-scale miners to benefit fully from their work,” she said.

Earlier, Shinyanga Urban parliamentary candidate Patrobas Katambi commended the President for transforming the region’s infrastructure and service delivery, saying new health centres, modern markets and improved roads have changed the face of the region.

“Shinyanga was once forgotten, but today development is visible because funds have reached us. We are grateful for President Samia’s leadership,” he said.

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Kahama Urban candidate Benjamin Ngayiwa commended the government for upgrading the municipal hospital and enabling local oxygen production, saying the improvements have brought specialised healthcare closer to the people.

“Our city now has a modern maternity wing and expanded water projects, including a new filtration plant at Buzwagi with a daily capacity of three million litres,” he said.