In an interview with The Citizen, Mr Njama said farming is the backbone of Korogwe and pledged to promote commercial agriculture to boost household incomes
Korogwe. Korogwe Urban parliamentary candidate for Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Mr Charles Njama, has outlined a development agenda focusing on agriculture, youth employment, economic empowerment, health, education, infrastructure, and industry.
In an interview with The Citizen, Mr Njama said farming is the backbone of Korogwe and pledged to promote commercial agriculture to boost household incomes.
“Many farmers practise small-scale farming, limiting returns. I intend to improve agricultural infrastructure, especially in water-rich areas, to expand irrigation farming that can generate income quickly,” he said.
He identified Kwa Msisi, Kwa Meta, Msambiazi, and Mahenge wards as swampy areas with high cultivation potential.
If developed sustainably, he argued, these wetlands could produce high-quality crops for domestic and international markets.
“I will consult experts to ensure farming is environmentally friendly,” he added.
Mr Njama said Korogwe’s road network linking neighbouring regions offers opportunities to expand markets, create jobs, and increase incomes through higher agricultural output. He also pledged to revitalise idle sisal estates.
“I will consult the central government to formalise and return them to public ownership to expand the local economy,” he explained.
Mr Njama cited unemployment, worsened by limited involvement in income-generating activities, as a pressing challenge.
He highlighted food vendors, locally known as mama and baba lishe, who often sell meals below production cost.
“A kilogramme of rice sells for Sh2,300 to Sh3,000, yet a plate of food costs between Sh1,500 and Sh2,000, excluding vegetables such as beans or pumpkin leaves. If elected, I will ensure vendors adopt reference prices aligned with market realities to protect profits, sustain businesses, and reduce poverty,” he said.
He urged youth to form groups to access loans for entrepreneurship, “Group formation will enable access to capital, expand opportunities, and improve livelihoods.”
On health, Mr Njama said every ward has facilities but stressed the need for affordable services.
He encouraged residents to join the government’s health insurance scheme to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
“Facilities exist, but many cannot afford treatment. I will raise awareness about affordable health insurance, as outlined in our manifesto. Every citizen should be part of it,” he said, promising to lobby for more service providers to improve the availability and quality of care.
Regarding education, Mr Njama pledged to upgrade one secondary school to offer Form Five and Six classes.
“We appreciate the government’s allocation of Sh900 million for this purpose. A modern facility will soon be in place,” he said.
He committed to advocating for more teachers, science instructors, and learning materials, while strengthening early childhood education and inclusive education for children with disabilities.
Mr Njama said improving Tanga Dry Port would attract investors to build cargo storage facilities, creating jobs for Korogwe residents.
He pledged to work with the government to attract industrial investment, opening further employment opportunities.
“Residents must support CCM for a decisive victory. My role is to back President Samia Suluhu Hassan and running mate Dr Emanuel Nchimbi because they have delivered for this constituency,” he said.
He added that the remaining challenges are minor compared with the development achieved under CCM leadership.
