Samia promises to make Tanga industrial hub again

TANGA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed her strong desire to restore Tanga’s status as an industrial hub, just as it was in the past.

She pledged to ease investment regulations to attract more investors to the region.

Speaking on Friday at Mkwakwani Stadium, while addressing residents, President Samia emphasized that reviving the region’s industrial sector is both her vision and ambition.

“I am desired to bring back the industrial Tanga of the past. If you look around the region, you will see that steps have already been taken, factories are expanding, and new ones are emerging. My promise is to ease investment conditions so that more investors can come in. That is the Tanga I want to see again,” she said.

She also expressed her desire to see Tanga become a major destination for beach, historical, and cultural tourism, noting that the city has immense tourism potential due to its natural beauty and rich history.

She urged residents to seize the economic opportunities being created by the government in the region.

President Samia also acknowledged the residents’ long-standing demand for the construction of the Bagamoyo-Pangani-Tanga road, assuring them that the government has taken steps to address the issue.

“One of the key concerns I have identified is road infrastructure. I am pleased that during this visit, we have been able to respond to the demand for road construction. I assure you that this road will be built to tarmac standards,” she said.

She also vowed to resolve land disputes, noting that large tracts of idle land remain unproductive and fail to benefit the local population.

“I have instructed the Treasury Registrar’s Office, in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office, to review all privatization agreements and assess whether investors have violated their contracts. If any breaches are found, we will take appropriate action to ensure these lands are put to productive use and create jobs,” she stated.

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On water supply, the President assured residents that ongoing projects including two major ones will ensure 95 percent of Tanga City and 90 percent of rural areas have access to clean water upon completion.

She also pledged to consider Tanga MP Ummy Mwalimu’s request for the establishment of a university in the region.

MP Ummy Mwalimu expressed her strong desire for a university in Tanga, proposing that it be named Shabani Robert University* in honor of the renowned Tanzanian writer and scholar.

“I believe this might be the only regional capital without a university. As the region’s headquarters, Tanga should have one. We seek your support in making this a reality, and we, the people of Tanga, propose naming it Shabani Robert University to preserve and honor the legacy of our esteemed elder,” she said.

On rural electrification, President Samia assured residents that the Ministry of Energy would work to connect villages within Tanga City constituency to electricity at affordable rates under the Rural Energy Agency (REA) program.

MP Ummy Mwalimu emphasized the need for fair electricity pricing, stating:  “Tanga is a city constitute, but we have 11 wards that include villages. Despite their classification, they still function as villages. We request that these areas be connected to electricity at the REA rate of 27,000 Tanzanian shillings, just like other rural villages,” she said.

On her part, Tanga Regional Commissioner Dr. Batilda Burian announced that the region had prepared a special publication documenting all projects initiated and inaugurated by President Samia as well as other ongoing government initiatives.

“We have ensured that all residents are informed about the government’s development projects, and we have distributed over 20,000 copies of this publication,” she said.