Dr Mollel hails Samia’s development drive in major strategic projects

DODOMA: SIHA MP (CCM) Dr Godwin Mollel, has commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts to advance national development through investment in healthcare, education, infrastructure and major strategic projects.

Speaking in an exclusive interview yesterday in Dodoma ahead of the first anniversary of President Samia’s swearing-in for her second term, Dr Mollel, said the achievements of her administration should be measured by the positive changes in people’s lives, particularly in rural areas, where access to social services has continued to improve.

Dr Mollel who is a former Deputy Minister for Health, said one of the administration’s major achievements is ensuring that the implementation of large national projects goes hand in hand with the distribution of development funds to rural areas.

Citing Siha Constituency, Dr Mollel said there has been 21 villages without primary schools when the government began implementing its development plans. However, within four years, the number had fallen to just three villages.

“More than nine secondary schools has been constructed in the constituency, including two major national schools, significantly expanding educational opportunities for children,” said Dr Mollel.

He said similar progress can be seen in other parts of the country, citing Katavi District, where children who previously had to walk long distances to school can now access educational facilities closer to their homes.

On healthcare, Dr Mollel said the government has made substantial investments in hospital infrastructure, modern medical technology and strengthening the capacity of healthcare professionals to deliver quality services.

He said these investments has contributed to reducing maternal deaths from 556 to 104 per 100,000 live births, attributing the improvement to better maternity services, the availability of medical equipment and healthcare workers’ ability to detect complications early and provide timely treatment.

According to him, the progress demonstrates the importance of investing simultaneously in infrastructure, technology and human resources to improve healthcare delivery and save lives.

He added that the increased capacity of local hospitals to provide specialist services has reduced the number of patients travelling abroad for treatment.

“Tanzania has also increasingly become a destination for patients from neighbouring countries seeking medical care, thanks to improvements in medical technology and specialist expertise, “he said.

Turning to strategic projects, Dr Mollel cited the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project as one of the major undertakings whose implementation has been overseen by President Samia.

He said she inherited the project when it was 33 per cent complete and continued mobilising the necessary funds to ensure its completion. He claimed that more than 70 per cent of the project’s total funding had been secured during her administration.

He also highlighted the construction of the Mtumba government City, saying the project required approximately 700bn/- to complete, but the government has managed to mobilise resources and advance its implementation.

On diplomacy, Dr Mollel said President Samia’s leadership has strengthened Tanzania’s international standing, enabling the country to secure positions in international institutions and attract major conferences that contribute to economic activity and development.

He added that her ability to build strong relations with leaders of other countries had enhanced Tanzania’s international cooperation.

The Siha legislator expressed optimism that the government’s existing plans and development agenda will sustain the pace of project implementation and improve public service delivery.