Wasira urges critics to research, acknowledge Tanzania’s progress

GEITA: THE ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Vice-Chairman, Mr Stephen Wasira has urged critics to conduct thorough research before dismissing the government’s achievements saying the country has made significant progress since gaining independence.

Addressing the public at Katoro in Geita Region on Wednesday, Mr Wasira said the country has undergone a remarkable transformation in key sectors including infrastructure, education and health areas, which were nearly non-existent during colonial rule.

He reminded the public that when Tanzania gained independence in 1961, the country had only two engineers, no local doctors and a road system designed to serve colonial economic interests rather than the needs of its people.

“At the time of independence, there were no tarmac roads connecting the country. Today, you can travel across all regions of Tanzania on paved roads. This is a major leap from the situation we inherited from colonialists,” he said.

Mr Wasira said that previously, health services were minimal, with no trained local doctors, but today, districts like Bukombe have multiple engineers and health professionals, a reflection of how far the country has come in building local capacity.

He urged young people and critics, especially those under the age of 40 to appreciate the progress rather than claim there has been no development.

Mr Wasira said: “many speak without understanding what development means. If you’ve never walked long distances or witnessed the absence of services, you might not grasp the extent of the transformation.”

He said CCM’s leadership has consistently invested in building infrastructure, improving access to education and healthcare and strengthening the workforce, which are core pillars of national development.

He said that development is not about perfection, but consistent improvement from where the nation started. “We have come a long way and the evidence is all around us,” he said.

Highlighting recent milestones, Mr Wasira commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership in overseeing major development projects.

ALSO READ: Majaliwa unveils Tanzania’s aviation progress at Arusha summit

“CCM will continue to ensure development reaches all areas. Under President Samia, we’ve witnessed massive progress. Project implementation has reached 100 per cent,” he said.

Mr Wasira outlined four key missions that the ruling CCM will continue to uphold for the future of Tanzania.

He said the first is to strengthen national unity and solidarity, a foundation laid by leaders such as Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and the late Abeid Amani Karume, to ensure that Tanzanians live in peace and contribute to development without discrimination.

The second mission is to safeguard the country’s peace, which he described as essential for social and economic stability, especially in regions reliant on sectors like mining and trade.

The third mission focuses on protecting the country’s independence, allowing citizens to make free and informed decisions about their lives and governance.

The fourth mission is to accelerate development in all regions, with Mr Wasira applauding President Samia Suluhu Hassan for achieving 100 per cent project implementation, completing major infrastructure projects such as the Mwalimu Nyerere Dam, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Kigongo-Busisi Bridge.

Mr Wasira was speaking during his tour to assess party vitality and reconnect with citizens on key national achievements under CCM’s leadership.