Africa-Press – Tanzania. CCM presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday promised her government will construct a 1,000-kilometre modern railway from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay in Nyasa District if she is elected in the October 29 General Election.
Addressing a campaign rally in Mbamba Bay, Dr Samia said the railway would pass through strategic economic zones, including Mchuchuma and Liganga and would facilitate the transport of iron, coal, agricultural produce and passengers.
“We have already conducted a feasibility study and discussions with stakeholders on implementation are underway,” she said.
Dr Samia said that the proposed railway would not only ease the movement of goods and people but also significantly boost the regional and national economy.
“We will build a strategic railway through areas rich in minerals and crops. This project will transform our economy,” she said.
A modern railway from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay on Lake Nyasa is a key component of the larger Mtwara Development Corridor initiative.
Highlighting her administration’s achievements over the past five years, President Samia noted that the groundwork laid so far justifies CCM’s bid for another term.
She announced that construction of the Mbamba Bay Port had already started and was scheduled for completion next year.
She also cited the successful completion of Numbi Port, which now handles 110,000 tonnes of cargo annually, up from 40,000 tonnes, with passenger numbers rising from 45,000 to 100,000 per year.
“Numbi is now a strategic port for people and goods. Businesses are growing and livelihoods are improving,” she added.
She stressed that projects such as the expansion of Mbamba Bay and Numbi ports, new road infrastructure, the 1,000km railway and the development of Liganga and Mchuchuma would act as powerful engines of economic growth.
In Mbinga, Dr Samia paid tribute to former President Benjamin Mkapa, who studied at Kigonsela Secondary School between 1952 and 1953, highlighting Ruvuma’s historical contribution to national development.
“This region has played an important role in shaping our nation. I ask for your trust and your votes, so we can complete what we’ve started and do even more,” she urged.
She assured citizens that, if elected, her government would continue prioritising education, health and water services, while also investing in strategic infrastructure projects like the Lumeme Bridge, which will ease the movement of people and goods.
“Building roads is expensive. One-kilometre costs as much as two fully equipped health centres,” she noted.
President Samia praised Tanzanian farmers for their efforts in increasing production and pledged to improve crop prices, secure better markets locally and internationally and provide more support to improve agricultural incomes.
She also outlined plans to boost the fishing sector, including expanding fish cage farming, providing modern fishing equipment and deploying a rescue boat for Lake Nyasa.
“These initiatives will create jobs and link Tanzanian products with markets in neighbouring countries,” she said.
The party’s running mate Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi pledged his full support and loyalty to President Samia.
“I will support you with all my strength and dedication. I will be a faithful assistant,” he said.
He added that across the 11 regions he had visited during the campaign, citizens had expressed overwhelming support for CCM, assuring the party of victory.
Earlier, CCM’s parliamentary candidate for Mbinga Rural, Ms Judith Kapinga said that the government had built a 2.9bn/- district hospital, 17 completed dispensaries and electrified all villages in the constituency.
On his part, parliamentary candidate for Mbinga Urban, Mr Jonas Mbunda thanked the government for fertiliser subsidies that helped boost coffee production.
Fertiliser supply increased from 1,350 tonnes to 1,600 tonnes, he said. He also revealed development plans for the urban constituency, including construction of 12 kilometres of tarmac roads, a modern market and a new bus stand.
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