‘Let’s restore Tanga lost glory’

TANGA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has outlined her vision focusing on restoring Tanga Region’s lost industrial status.

Speaking at Mkwakwani Stadium yesterday during a public rally to conclude her weeklong working tour in Tanga Region, she said efforts are already underway to bring back Tanga’s past as an industrial hub.

President Samia said industries in the region are being expanded, while new ones are coming up.

“My greatest aspiration is to restore Tanga’s industrial strength as it was in the past.

Steps have already been taken and we can see industries being expanded or newly established,” she said.

She said investment conditions will be made more favourable to attract more investors. “My promise to you is to relax investment conditions so that more investors can come in,” she said.

The Head of State further said this will create jobs and reduce unemployment among the youth. “I envision a Tanga where young people can have jobs instead of remaining idle in street corners,” she said.

President Samia said Tanga has the potential to be a major tourism destination, citing historical and cultural attractions such as ancient mosques, Pangani ruins, Amboni caves and cultural tourism.

“For this dream to come true, the people of Tanga must take part in making it happen. Take advantage of the existing opportunities, such as customs agency services, tour guiding and tourism companies,” President Samia said.

She called on parents and government institutions to protect the youth from drug abuse.

President Samia said during her tour challenges in ongoing projects were identified, promising to address them.

“The Bagamoyo-Pangani-Tanga highway will be fully constructed and paved, opening up the region to trade, investment and economic growth. Plans are also in place to expand the Segera-Tanga road, with a feasibility study already underway. The project will be included in the 2025-2030 CCM election manifesto for implementation,” she said.

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President Samia said Tanga’s water availability stands at 79-80 per cent, with two major projects underway.

Upon completion, water supply will reach over 95 per cent in urban areas and 90 per cent in rural areas.

She said efforts to address youth unemployment are ongoing, including job creation at Tanga port and policies to attract investors.

Dr Samia cited the expansion of Maweni Limestone factory, which has created 424 direct jobs and 400 indirect jobs.

“We will continue to establish more industries in Tanga to provide employment for the youth,” she said.

President Samia said the production of cash crops such as cashew nuts, cocoa and spices must be increased, citing global market demand.

She said land disputes in the region must end, particularly cases involving large, unproductive farms.

President Samia directed the Treasury Registrar’s Office and Attorney General to review privatisation contracts and assess investor compliance.

“If these investors have violated their contracts, we must take action to ensure the farms and industries contribute to job creation,” she said.

President Samia said all concerns raised during her visit will be addressed. “Everything that has been mentioned will be taken into consideration, including issues that were not in the official regional report but were observed during my visit,” she said.

Her visit to Tanga also marked the launch of subsidised gas stoves and clean cooking energy, a national initiative symbolically inaugurated in Tanga.

She said the government will continue working to transform Tanga into an industrial and tourism hub, creating opportunities for its people