PM credits Union for strong, resilient nation

MWANZA: PRIME Minister Kassim Majaliwa said yesterday that Tanzania has achieved significant development milestones across various sectors during the 61 years of the Union.

Addressing thousands of residents in Ukerewe District, Mwanza Region, during a public rally at Getrude Mongela grounds, the PM said the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar has facilitated building of a strong and resilient nation.

The Premier was on a one-day visit to Ukerewe as part of the celebrations for the 61st anniversary of the Union.

“Our Union has enabled us to have a nation that has succeeded in various development projects on both the Mainland and Zanzibar. This Union is a valuable treasure that everyone should protect, cherish and advocate for everywhere,” said Mr Majaliwa.

He added that, “The sixth phase government, under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership, has allocated billions of shillings for implementation of major development projects in education, health, water supply, communication and other crucial areas here in Ukerewe. This government has made numerous reforms.”

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The Premier also inspected the construction progress of a regional referral hospital project in Ukerewe District.

Following the inspection, Mr Majaliwa said that the hospital will allow local residents to access specialised health services without having to travel long distances, especially to Mwanza.

The hospital project, whose cost stands at 25.03bn/- , is being constructed by M/S Dimetoclasa Realhope Limited in partnership with Mponela Construction & Co Ltd contractors. It is expected to be completed by July, 2026.

The Premier also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the 3.7bn/- Ukerewe District Council administration block.

On water sector, he encouraged Tanzanians to continue maintaining their trust in the government, assuring them that water projects will be implemented due to the critical significance of the service to the public.

On his part, Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office (Regional Administration and Local GovernmentPO-RALG), Dr Festo Dugange, said that the construction of the specialised regional referral hospital in Ukerewe is a significant step in enhancing health services in the district and its islands.

“Once completed, this hospital will be among the highestrated health service providers in the country. The government, under President Samia, has made significant strides in the health sector and the construction of this hospital is proof of those achievements,” said Dr Dugange.

Speaking about maintenance of ferries and improvement of ferry services in Ukerewe, the Lake Zone Ferry Manager, Vitalis Bilauri said that the government is working on to complete construction of five ferries that will serve Ukerewe and its surrounding neighbouring islets.

The MV Clarius ferry, Head of Marketing and Public Relations, Anselim Namala, pointed out that the vessel is currently undergoing inspection before repairs commence.