NEW ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS: CCM promises review
COAST REGION: CCM presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan on Sunday pledged that, if elected, her government will examine citizens’ requests for new administrative areas.
“This issue has emerged in many areas during our campaign visits. If you give us the mandate to continue leading the nation, we will carefully review all requests and identify where new towns, councils and districts should be established,” Dr Samia told a packed rally at Mkuza Sabasaba grounds in Coast Region.
She expressed delight at returning to the Coast Region after campaigning in 16 other regions and assured the residents that CCM government will continue implementing transformative projects, especially the construction of Bagamoyo Port.
“We are going to build Bagamoyo Port at Mbegani. It will feature modern berths capable of accommodating larger ships than Dar es Salaam Port and will be connected to the SGR through a 100-kilometre stretch from Kwala dry port,” she said, adding that a 9,800-hectare special economic zone will also be developed alongside the port.
Dr Samia noted that feasibility studies and designs have been completed. “We will implement this project through Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) and the private sector. These are revolutionary projects that will create jobs and business opportunities not only for the Coast Region but for Tanzania as a whole,” she said.
Highlighting the Coast Region’s rapid industrial growth, she said the number of factories has risen from 1,387 in 2020 to 1,631 in 2025, representing 244 new factories in four years—an average of 61 new factories annually.
Of these, 97 are large factories, bringing the total to 156, while 81 medium factories have been added, now totaling 191. These industries have generated 21,149 direct jobs and approximately 60,000 indirect ones.
To sustain this growth, Dr Samia pledged that her government would ensure a reliable power supply.
ALSO READ: Clerics urged to promote law, peace ahead of poll
“We have decided to build power substations at Msufini in Mkuranga for 388bn/-, Chekereni in Kibaha for 54.73bn/- and Bagamoyo for 120bn/-. This will guarantee stable electricity so industries can operate efficiently,” she said.
She added that a gas pipeline will be constructed from Kinyerezi to Chalinze, passing through TAMCO, Chekereni, Kwala and Bagamoyo.
“The availability of gas will attract more investment and reduce the cost of locally produced goods,” Dr Samia noted.
Acknowledging congestion on the Morogoro highway, she said the design is underway to expand it to six lanes, plus two BRT lanes.
“We will also improve a 71-kilometre road network to ease access to services. Through public–private partnerships, we will construct the fast-track road from Kibaha to Morogoro in phases,” she pledged.
She further promised that within the next five years, the CCM government would complete the rehabilitation of the 477-kilometre Dar es Salaam–Kibiti–Lindi–Mingoyo road.
On water supply, she pledged four major projects in Rufiji, Kibiti, Mkuranga and Kisarawe districts, plus another project in Mkuranga to serve industrial areas in Kwala.
Dr Samia also vowed to reduce the costs of building materials and improve urban housing plans so that low-income citizens can build affordable homes.
Before her speech, Special Seats candidate Hawa Chakoma urged Coast Region residents to vote for Dr Samia so she could continue the transformative work she has begun.
Another Special Seats candidate, Ms Mariam Ibrahim, praised the 10 per cent loan fund, saying it had brought hope to women, youth and people with disabilities.
“We will continue mobilising voters in Coast Region to ensure CCM returns to power and sustains these opportunities,” she said.
Kibaha Urban candidate Silvestry Koka commended Dr Samia for elevating Kibaha from a town council to a municipality and increasing revenue from 5bn/- to over 21bn/-.
ALSO READ: NRA candidate touts peace, unity
“Because of the good work you have done, we believe you will win with a landslide,” he said, urging further expansion of the highway to 12 lanes, extension of DART to Kibaha and solutions to water shortages in Pangani Ward.
Retired President Jakaya Kikwete assured Dr Samia that Coast Region would deliver many votes.
“We will vote for you because you have successfully addressed our people’s challenges with focus and efficiency. Our country of 120 tribes and many religions remain united and our Union stands as an example to others,” he said.
The rally was marked by excitement, with supporters clad in CCM regalia carrying banners reading “Tiki 3, Oktoba tunatiki” and “4R tumezielewa – CCM imara na madhubuti.” Traditional groups and popular musicians entertained the crowd, while cheers erupted as a helicopter flew overhead carrying a CCM flag with Dr Samia’s portrait.
Dr Samia also held campaign meetings at Chalinze and Msata to conclude her Coast Region tour.
She is scheduled to start her campaign in Tanga Region today, with leaders and residents pledging strong support.
CCM Regional Chairman Ustaadh Rajab Abdulrahman said the campaign will begin in Pangani, where she will hold a grand rally at Kwatemba, before moving to Tanga for a major meeting at Usagara grounds.
