Africa-Press – Tanzania. CCM presidential candidate Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has pledged to strengthen Tanzania’s mining sector and ensure that communities, especially in the newly established Mbogwe mining region, benefit directly from the country’s natural resources.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Masumbwe, Mbogwe District, Geita Region, Dr Samia said the government is committed to expanding mineral surveys, which currently cover only 16 per cent of the country, in order to attract investment and create jobs.
“We established Mbogwe as a mining region and we will intensify mineral exploration nationwide,” she said.
“Once that’s done, our main focus will be empowering smallscale miners to operate safely and profitably.” She noted that the formalisation of small-scale mining has helped reduce illegal mining while increasing local participation in the sector.
If re-elected, Dr Samia said her administration will provide miners with access to modern equipment, technical training and fair markets to ensure they benefit sustainably from Tanzania’s mineral wealth.
Dr Samia praised Mbogwe residents for their contributions to the regional economy and said that Geita remains a key driver of national mining growth.
“Our goal is to ensure every region rich in minerals benefits its residents first,” she stressed.
On social services, she said that access to clean and safe water in Mbogwe has reached 86 per cent, with the Masumbwe water project valued at over 4bn/-, currently 68 per cent complete.
Once finished, it will address persistent water shortages, particularly during dry seasons.
She added that the government has renovated Mbogwe District Hospital and constructed new health centres and dispensaries, as part of efforts to bring health services closer to communities.
Additional infrastructure promises include the construction of modern food warehouses, and a central market to improve farmers and traders’ activities.
In Bukombe District, Dr Samia highlighted ongoing reforms in the mining sector, including the establishment of gold-trading centres and the provision of drilling machines to help small-scale miners work transparently and safely.
“This land was blessed with minerals so that people could prosper, not suffer,” she said.
“We want young people who depend on mining to thrive through formal structures and fair markets.” Dr Samia also reiterated plans to invest in irrigation and livestock-processing industries, including milk-processing plants, to create jobs and add value to agricultural products.
“We are determined to grow the dairy sector so that it becomes a steady source of income for families,” she said.
She added that her administration will expand access to education and vocational training by building more VETA colleges and secondary schools, while also promoting youth sports and recreation.
“Our ‘Kazi na Utu’ philosophy means we must work hard while preserving the dignity of every Tanzanian,” Dr Samia said.
Dr Samia said that if elected, the next five-year CCM government will focus on social welfare and productive-sector growth.
“Our mission is to protect human dignity and ensure that every citizen benefits from national prosperity,” she said.
Bukombe parliamentary candidate Dr Doto Biteko praised Dr Samia’s leadership, citing improvements in governance, inclusiveness and service delivery.
“You have shown us that leadership is measured by the development it brings to the people,” he said.
He noted that Bukombe now has five new secondary schools, a VETA college, dormitories and a water supply system reaching 65 per cent of residents.
Farmers are benefiting from subsidised fertilisers and youth are gaining practical skills, while miners now operate in safer conditions.
“This is evidence of a government that listens and delivers,” Dr Biteko said.
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