Samia stresses connectivity
TANGA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has said the government is set to complete the remaining phases of the Tanga-Singida road project to enhance regional connectivity and create new investment opportunities for youths.
She said the phased construction of the Handeni – Kiberashi – Kijungu – Chemba – Kwamtoro – Singida (434.33 kilometres) road has already begun, with the first phase covering Handeni-Mafuleta (20 kilometres) and MafuletaKileguru (30 kilometres) now in progress.
Speaking after inaugurating the newly built Tanga Girls’ Science School in Kilindi District, Tanga Region, she said the government is committed to improving the coun try’s transportation infrastructure to spur economic growth.
“By completing this project, we are opening doors for investment, increasing production and improving the movement of goods and services,” she said.
President Samia who is in Tanga Region for a working tour, she said another key development in the region is the government’s continued efforts to improve education, particularly for girls. She echoed the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for secondary school students.
“We have started with girls’ science schools project, and once we complete this phase, we will focus on boys’ schools. This is to ensure that all students get an equal opportunity to succeed,” she said.
The school, which includes modern dormitories, science laboratories and an ICT centre, will help female students avoid long commutes and minimise safety risks.
President Samia proposed renaming the secondary school after the name of former Kilindi constituency legislator, the late Beatrice Shelukindo to recognise her contribution she offered during her lifetime.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda said that six vocational secondary schools are being built in Tanga, complementing the region’s educational advancement efforts.
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He further said that Tanga leads in Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) college projects, with new institutions under construction in Muheza and Handeni.
Furthermore, 12bn/- has been allocated under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) project to build Mzumbe University’s Tanga campus, fulfilling President Samia’s directive to establish university colleges in every region.
The girls’ school was built in two phases, with the first phase reaching 98 per cent completion, including the construction of eight dormitories, an administration block, 12 classrooms, laboratories, teachers’ houses and a dispensary.
The second phase involves additional teachers’ houses and dormitories, with construction progressing at various stages.
Meanwhile, President Samia laid the foundation stone for a major water project that is expected to serve communities in Handeni, Korogwe, Muheza and Pangani.
The project, implemented in collaboration with the Indian government, aims to address water shortages and improve public health.
High Commissioner of India, Mr Bishwadip Dey reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s water supply initiatives.
Minister for Water Jumaa Aweso said that the project, originally designed to serve 180,000 people across 60 villages, has been expanded to reach 860,000 residents in 160 villages.
The project involves a 184-kilometre pipeline network, eight reservoirs and two booster stations, with 60 per cent of the work already completed.
As part of her visiting tour, President Samia also inaugurated the Handeni Town Council building, one of 122 municipal buildings constructed under her administration.
She urged government employees to focus on service delivery rather than bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“These buildings are not for decoration but to provide better working conditions for civil servants. Employees must use them to serve the people efficiently,” she said.
