Samia vows smooth trade links

• Plans to turn Kigoma into a major business hub

KIGOMA: CCM presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday vowed to further improve and strengthen the transport sector, describing it as a vital pillar in the country’s economic growth.

President Samia said that with reliable and modern transportation systems, Tanzania will be able to engage more effectively in both local and international trade, thereby stimulating economic growth at both individual and national levels.

Addressing a campaign rally at Katosho Dry Port grounds in Kigoma, President Samia pledged that if elected in the October polls, her government would continue investing in key infrastructure projects to link regions across the country and open doors for international trade.

She stressed that the sixth phase government is already implementing several major projects, assuring voters that electing her on October 29 would guarantee the completion of those initiatives and the launch of many more.

“Kigoma is among the regions set to benefit from major infrastructure projects, some of which are already in progress. Our goal is to reliably connect Kigoma with other regions and neighbouring countries. If elected, my government plans to turn Kigoma into a major business hub in this zone,” she said.

Dr Samia explained that the ongo- ing construction projects of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma and the Uvinza–Msongati line to Burundi would make Kigoma a critical hub for international trade.

She said the electric SGR train will link Tanzania with Burundi and the Dem- ocratic Republic of Congo (DRC), easing the movement of cargo from Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara ports to neigh- bouring countries.

“Our focus is on moving people and goods. We expect the SGR to open up major business opportunities with DRC and Burundi, which will also benefit Kigoma and other regions along the railway route,” she explained.

President Samia said the government has already purchased three diesel lo- comotives for the Metre-Gauge Railway (MGR), 22 passenger coaches and 44 cargo wagons.

In addition, 350 cargo wagons and 33 passenger coaches are under renovation. Some of the upgraded wagons will be adapted to transport per- ishable goods such as fruits and vegetables.

“We are doing this in collaboration with partners and we have made some changes to our regulations to allow the private sector to use state owned railway lines for business. This will boost trade and encourage investments,” she added.

On marine transport, Dr Samia pledged continued investment in ship construction, renovation and expansion of ports.

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She said the government also plans to establish a shipyard at Katame in Kigoma, with an agreement already signed for the construction of two large cargo ships, one for Lake Tanganyika and another for Lake Victoria.

The Lake Tanganyika vessel will have the capacity to carry 3,500 tonnes of cargo, with ship- ments brought by electric SGR trains from Dar es Salaam, Tanga and Mtwara ports for distribution to neighbouring countries.

The government is also rehabilitating Kibirizi, Ujiji and Kabwe ports in Kigoma, as well as Karema in Katavi and Kasan- ga in Rukwa.

She added that the govern- ment is building four ships. One new ship has already been completed, while three others are under construction at Karema port.

The vessels, according to Dr Samia will operate on Lake Tanganyika, serving routes to DRC, Burundi and Zambia.

Meanwhile, renovation of the historic MV Liemba is underway, expected to be completed in the 2026/2027 financial year.

“We are implementing several marine transport projects not only on the Lakes but also along the Indian Ocean and across the country,” she said.

Beyond transport, Dr Samia pledged to continue improving roads, bridges and rural electrification, as well as expanding water projects, health facilities and education services.

She also promised increased support for Tanzanians through social and economic empowerment programmes, including loans to women, youth and people with disabilities.

On agriculture, she pledged to push for improvement of palm tree planting to stimulate investment in palm oil processing factories in the region.

“We are going to provide one million palm tree seedlings and support the establishment of a palm oil factory in Kigoma,” she said.

She also pledged industrial clusters in the region and asked residents to boost trade links through available opportunities.

Earlier, Kigoma Region CCM Chairman, Jamal Tamimu asked Kigoma residents to vote for CCM’s presidential candidate and other candidates in various positions.

He said President Samia is an experienced leader who is determined to move the nation forward.