Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIANS have been urged to seize economic opportunities arising from major development projects, including the ongoing construction of the electric Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza and Kigoma, with a branch connecting to Msongati in Burundi.
Addressing campaign rallies in Uvinza, Buhigwe and Kasulu districts in Kigoma Region yesterday, CCM presidential candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, said the government is pushing forward with the SGR project, describing it as a flagship initiative crucial for accelerating economic growth.
Dr Samia said the mod ern electric railway will ease transportation, cut costs and open up new avenues for trade, investment and employment across the country.
“The SGR is a game changer. With its construction in Kigoma, this region is going to be the business hub in this zone because it connects to neighbouring countries,” she told residents.
She added that Kigoma is set to host several SGR stations, making it a magnet for businesses and a driver of both regional and national economic growth.
“Kigoma will become a national and international business hub, serving neighbouring countries such as Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With the SGR in place, our economies will grow even more,” she explained.
According to Dr Samia, the line will run from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma and Mwanza, with a branch connecting Uvinza in Kigoma to Msongati in Burundi, paving the way for cargo transportation from the port of Dar es Salaam to Burundi and the DRC.
She added that the project will create investment opportunities, with investors assured of affordable and reliable transport for goods.
Kigoma, she said, is already attracting industries, with a sugar factory in Kasulu employing over 500 people and a cement plant also in operation.
“We are going to promote Kigoma to become an industrial hub. With both SGR and MGR railway lines, the region will be well positioned to boost production and trade,” she said. She added: “More jobs are expected in the sugar and cement sectors.”
Dr Samia also pledged to continue implementing development projects in water, education and health, as well as improve infrastructure by building and renovating roads and bridges nationwide.
She further promised to strengthen agriculture through subsidised fertilisers, access to markets and support for the livestock sector.
While in Buhigwe, Dr Samia pledged that if elected, her government will establish a ginger processing factory in the area to boost crop production and add value to farmers’ yields.
She further noted that the government is finalising the Malagarasi River hydropower project, expected to generate 46MW of power. According to her, reliable electricity will stimulate industrial growth in Kigoma and other regions across the country.
For his part, Vice-Pres ident Dr Philip Mpango expressed gratitude to President Samia for entrusting him with the role of Vice-President. He commended the sixth phase government for its strong performance in imple menting development proj ects that have improved the welfare of Tanzanians.
Dr Mpango said Kigoma has also benefited from these efforts, citing expanded access to schools, healthcare, clean water and electricity.
“We used to walk long distances to attend schools, but today things have changed, schools are closer to our homes. We are also accessing health services, water and electricity. These are major changes not only in Kigoma but across the country,” he said.
He added that the government is currently building a zonal hospital in Kigoma alongside a branch of the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) to further improve healthcare services in the region. Earlier, former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda urged Tanzanians to safeguard peace and unity during and after
elections, stressing that stability has been central to the country’s development.
“Those of us who travel to different countries can testify that many people are living under very difficult conditions due to instability. We must protect our peace at all costs,” he said.
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