CCM : ‘We promised, we delivered’
MTWARA: THE ruling party, CCM, has received accolades for great strides in implementing its 2020-2025 Election Manifesto as observed during a recent working visit by Secretary General, Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi to Lindi and Mtwara regions.
Dr Nchimbi’s visit, which took place from 28 to 31 July this year, was marked by celebrations among Mtwara and Lindi residents who reported significant improvements in socio-economic infrastructure. This includes the addition of schools, hospitals, enhanced access to clean water and electricity supply, as well as expanded ports and road networks.
The positive developments have led to over 300 members of opposition parties, including ACT-Wazalendo, CUF and CHADEMA, defecting to CCM.
Addressing a rally at the Sabasaba grounds in Mtwara Town, Dr Nchimbi highlighted that the implementation of the Election Manifesto 2020-2025 in Mtwara has surpassed 80 per cent.
“The Regional Commissioner has updated me on the progress of all projects in the region and the implementation of the party’s manifesto exceeds 80 per cent,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude towards President Samia Suluhu Hassan for effective supervision of the manifesto’s execution across the country.
Dr Nchimbi emphasised that the manifesto serves as a binding contract between the government and its citizens, designed to accelerate development and measure government accountability.
The CCM’s Election Manifesto outlines six key areas aimed at improving access to quality health care, education, water, electricity and housing in both rural and urban areas.
Commending Mtwara residents for their collaboration with the government, Dr Nchimbi expressed satisfaction with the party’s progress in the region.
He praised the party’s consistent intra-party meetings, new member registrations and the effective resolution of citizens’ issues. “We have been impressed with the party’s progress and citizens continue to trust it,” he said.
He also applauded Mtwara residents for their efforts to combat poverty through the cultivation of cash crops, such as cashew nuts and the government’s support through market creation and subsidised fertiliser distribution.
Dr Nchimbi assured that the government will continue to provide timely and affordable farming inputs.
In terms of economic infrastructure, Dr Nchimbi noted that approximately 150bn/- was disbursed by the government to modernise the Mtwara Port, which is essential for boosting trade and transportation.
“Improving Mtwara Port has reduced the Southern region’s reliance on Dar es Salaam Port, thereby alleviating congestion in Dar es Salaam,” he explained.
As a result, the volume of cargo being handled at the Mtwara Port has increased. The volume of cargo handled at the Mtwara Port last year increased to about 1.4 million tonnes from only 400,000 tonnes which were being handled by the terminal per year before the massive upgrade.
Dr Nchimbi encouraged citizens to vote for CCM in the upcoming Local Government Elections 2024, emphasising the party’s commitment to sustainable development.
He advised CCM members to select candidates with integrity, dedication and discipline, and to avoid endorsing those who might incite discord for personal gain. He also urged citizens to uphold peace, unity and solidarity.
MTUWASA Managing Director, Engineer Rejea Ng’ondya, reported that water availability in Mtwara stands at 87 per cent, with a target of reaching 95 per cent by 2025. The government has allocated 19bn/- to enhance water supply in the region.
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Dr Nchimbi also addressed Lindi residents at Mpilipili grounds, where approximately 250 members from opposition parties, including CUF, joined CCM.
He attributed the influx of new members to the successful implementation of the CCM Election Manifesto, which has led to improved social services in Lindi.
“We are thrilled to welcome new members who have been convinced by the government’s effective provision of social services,” he said.
With only a year remaining towards the end of the manifesto, CCM led government has significantly attained development vividly observed in Lindi, including the construction of four new schools, 18 health centres and 41 dispensaries.
These facilities are equipped with medicine and modern equipment to ensure quality medical care. Additionally, the education sector has seen improvements with the establishment of 54 new schools, enhancing academic performance, particularly for Form Two and Form Six students.
Dr Nchimbi expressed confidence that Lindi is a stronghold of CCM and praised the party’s leaders in the region for their continued efforts to make CCM more active and attractive.
Among those who defected to CCM was Mr Hamidu Bobali, the former ACT-Wazalendo Chairperson in Lindi. Mr Bobali cited the government’s commitment to addressing citizens’ challenges, such as the provision of cashew farming inputs, as his reason for joining CCM.
Mr Bobali, who previously served as CUF’s Research Officer and was elected as Mchinga’s MP in 2015, joined ACT-Wazalendo in 2022 before his recent defection.
Concluding his visit in Mchinga Constituency, Dr Nchimbi welcomed an additional 60 defectors from CUF and ACT-Wazalendo, including two opposition ward councillors from Milola and Rutamba wards.
This brought the total number of defectors to over 300, highlighting the impact of the manifesto’s implementation on their decision to join CCM.
Dr Nchimbi praised Ms Salma Kikwete, Mchinga’s MP, for her effective supervision of the manifesto in collaboration with citizens.
Ms Kikwete, the former First Lady and wife of ex-President Jakaya Kikwete, noted significant development in the constituency, including full electricity coverage in 47 villages and 50 per cent coverage in 236 hamlets. She expressed optimism about further boosting economic activities with the continued electrification of the constituency.
“The good work continues as the government is vigilant and responsive; when they promise, they implement, and we notice the outcomes,” Ms Kikwete concluded.
