Africa-Press – Tanzania. CCM presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to boost the economy, build a self-reliant nation, strengthen democracy and good governance for the development of the nation.
Addressing a campaign rally at Hamburu grounds, Nungwi in North Unguja region yesterday, President Samia said the nation will achieve economic independence by ensuring that every citizen engages in a productive activity.
She explained that the government is creating an enabling environment that will allow youth and other Tanzanians to fully participate in economic activities.
“We will ensure that young people stand on their own and become self-reliant. In this way, we will succeed in building both the economy and a strong nation,” she said.
President Samia added that the nation faced difficult times from 2020 when the world was hit by Covid-19 and Tanzania was heavily affected by aid cuts and reduced international support. Elaborating, she noted that the economy shrank during that period, but through strong policies, things have begun to recover.
“Zanzibar has already recorded a 7.1 per cent economic growth rate, while Tanzania now stands at 6 per cent.”
“Before Covid-19, our economy was growing at 7 per cent, but it dropped during the crisis. With strong economic policies, we have revived our economies. Zanzibar has already achieved strong growth and the Union Government is also performing well. By next year, we will likely hit 7 per cent again,” she said.
She said the encouraging economic growth has been translated into the implementation of various development projects such as the construction of health facilities, improvements in the education sector, water supply and the electrification of all villages and many hamlets across the country.
She added that the government has also managed to build modern markets in different parts of the country, including Zanzibar and to construct roads, bridges and other infrastructure.
President Samia further pledged to maintain and strengthen the Union describing it as a vital pillar of unity, brotherhood and development for both sides.
“Our Union is 61 years old, that is more than six decades. We pledge to preserve and strongly protect it for the betterment of our nation,” she said.
She added: “Let us ignore those who belittle the Union.” On the blue economy, President Samia pledged to continue implementing projects aimed at strengthening the sector, including supporting deep sea fishing activities.
“We have improved marine transport for both people and goods and we will continue to strengthen the sector and build the country’s economy,” she said.
She also explained that the government is working on oil and gas initiatives to ensure they benefit the nation.
Moreover, President Samia said that if elected, her government would continue to strengthen diplomatic relations, which are essential for maintaining international cooperation and building the national economy.
She assured youth, women and people with disabilities that her government would continue to provide them with loans and other forms of support, to boost their livelihoods and promote an inclusive economy.
On his part, Zanzibar’s CCM presidential candidate, Dr Hussein Mwinyi reminded Zanzibaris to uphold peace and unity.
He said peace, unity and order are fundamental pillars for building a progressive nation.
He urged all candidates to promote peace and brotherhood during the campaign period and beyond, stressing that peace is the foundation of every strong government in the world.
He assured the people of Zanzibar that better days were coming ahead and asked for their support for his re-election on October 29.
On her part, CCM Secretary General, Dr Asha-Rose Migiro said the Union has been strengthened under the leadership of President Samia and Dr Mwinyi.
” The Union has grown stronger on both sides, including economically,” she said.
She explained that the nation has made economic progress thanks to President Samia’s efforts, including innovative initiatives such as the ‘Royal Tour’ film.
“Through the ‘Royal Tour’ film, Zanzibar and the country as a whole boosted the tourism sector and improved the economy. The film has taken Tanzania to another level in global tourism,” she said.
She added: “Tourism is an engine of the economy and these improvements have significantly increased tourist numbers and revenue from the sector.”
Dr Migiro further noted that Dr Mwinyi has also played a major role in transforming Zanzibar, with many development projects already implemented and more in the pipeline if he is re-elected in October.
She applauded both President Samia and Dr Mwinyi for investing in education, health, water supply, electricity, markets and other key sectors.
“Dr Mwinyi has so far initiated and implemented many projects. He has been a pillar of development and his strong commitment to building a robust Zanzibar economy is clear,” she said.
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