Africa-Press – Tanzania. CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Presidential Candidate, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, yesterday pledged that, if elected, her government will prioritise the establishment of industries along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) corridor to promote trade, attract investment and boost the national economy.
Addressing thousands of supporters at a campaign rally in Kilosa District, President Samia said the ongoing construction of the modern electric SGR has already transformed transportation in the country, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
She emphasised that the railway project, which directly benefits Kilosa and other districts along the line, now offers fertile ground for industrial expansion.
“In the past four years, the government has successfully implemented various strategic projects, including the mega electric SGR that passes through Kilosa. Our next step is to promote industrial development along this corridor so that the benefits are shared by all Tanzanians,” she said, drawing loud applause from the crowd.
Dr Samia underscored that the SGR offers reliable and affordable cargo services, which will make it easier to transport raw materials, semifinished goods and finished products across the country and beyond.
“Our focus is to seize this opportunity. The SGR corridor must be developed with industries, markets and businesses that will attract investors, enhance trade and expand tourism,” she added.
Alongside industrialisation, the incumbent President assured residents of Kilosa that her government would also construct a modern market to provide small entrepreneurs with a well-organised space to conduct business.
She noted that the project would strengthen local value chains, generate employment and improve household incomes.
On agriculture and livestock, Dr Samia reiterated her commitment to strengthening both sectors, which serve as the backbone of the Tanzanian economy.
She reminded Kilosa residents that their district had previously been among the hardest hit by farmer–pastoralist conflicts.
“Through the 4Rs philosophy Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding many of these conflicts have been resolved. Today, farmers and pastoralists are living together peacefully and we intend to sustain this harmony,” she said.
She revealed that the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development had revoked title deeds for more than 53,000 acres of under-utilised land in Kilosa.
“I directed the ministry to repossess this idle land and return it to the people. Already, over 20,000 acres have been surveyed and distributed to more than 8,000 beneficiaries, including both farmers and pastoralists. This process continues,” she explained.
Looking forward, Dr Samia pledged that her government would maintain heavy investment in health, education and water supply.
She promised more classrooms, health centres, dispensaries and reliable supplies of essential medicines. She also highlighted the ongoing construction of the Kidete Dam in Kilosa, which will not only improve water availability but also support irrigation, agriculture and flood control.
Earlier, Kilosa parliamentary candidate Prof Palamagamba Kabudi praised the achievements recorded under President Samia’s leadership, citing improvements in both education and health.
“The government has built many schools here. All 25 wards now have secondary schools and we also have six high schools. Health services have been expanded with eight health centres and 20 dispensaries,” he said. He further commended the Kidete Dam project as a transformative investment that will accelerate both social and economic progress in the district.
Later on, President Samia addressed another rally in Mvomero District, where she promised further improvements in social services and stronger measures to grow the economy.
Dr Samia noted that community leaders, such as traditional chiefs, religious figures and government officials, played a vital role in advancing peace and reconciliation through the 4Rs philosophy.
Ms Sara Msafiri, CCM parliamentary candidate for Mvomero, applauded her for resolving long-standing farmer–pastoralist conflicts in the district.
“We had reached the point of digging trenches to separate farmers from livestock keepers. But today we live together in harmony because of President Samia’s leadership,” she said.
In neighbouring Gairo Constituency, the CCM presidential candidate assured residents that, if re-elected, her government would continue expanding infrastructure and social services. She pledged to upgrade key roads Rubeho–Kiswiti, Tabuhoteli–Kitange–Chakwale–Mtumbatu and Chakwale–Leshata—to tarmac level.
“We will also construct five new health centres at Rubeho, Idibo, Chakwale, Mandege and Leshata, along with ten dispensaries. In addition, the government will complete the Gairo Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) centre so that our youth gain skills for both self-employment and formal jobs,” she said.
CCM Gairo parliamentary candidate Ahmed Shabiby supported her remarks, citing achievements already visible in the constituency. He said two major bridges at Chakwale and Ngyuyani are 90 per cent complete, while new infrastructure such as a district court, prison and bus stand have also been delivered.
He added that 55 kilometres of tarmac roads have already connected divisions and districts and feasibility studies for the Gairo–Kilindi road are underway. On health, he said ambulances and dispensaries have been provided to high-population areas.
Meanwhile, President Samia addressed a rally in Kibaigwa, Kongwa District of Dodoma Region, where she unveiled plans to further modernise livestock, health and education services.
For More News And Analysis About Tanzania Follow Africa-Press
