Dar es Salaam. As newly appointed Regional Commissioners and those reassigned to new stations assume their duties, several social issues await them, whilst citizens hold high expectations to see them addressed.
Among the issues awaiting these commissioners are land disputes between farmers and pastoralists, challenges concerning petty traders popularly known as machingas, illicit trade in border areas, development of the mining sector, and oversight of development projects.
These commissioners enter their new stations as citizens anticipate seeing a swift resolution to challenges confronting them, including access to clean and safe water, infrastructure improvements, crop markets, environmental sanitation, and protection of citizens' interests in economic activities.
Several of these responsibilities were also mentioned and emphasised by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during their swearing-in ceremony at Tunguu State Lodge in Zanzibar, instructing them to execute their duties prioritising citizens' interests.
Among those appointed is CP Salum Hamduni, former Regional Administrative Secretary for Shinyanga and now Regional Commissioner for Mwanza; Mr Alexander Mnyeti, appointed to Geita; Mr Stanslaus Nyongo, appointed to Coast; and Mr Jumanne Sagini, appointed to Mbeya.
Regarding those reassigned, Mr Martin Shigela moved from Geita to Manyara, Mr Said Mtanda moved from Mwanza to Simiyu, whilst Mr Aboubakari Kunenge moved from Coast to Songwe.
Others include Mr Beno Malisa, reassigned from Mbeya to Tabora; Mr Adam Malima, from Morogoro to Lindi replacing Ms Zainab Telack who retired; whilst Ms Queen Sendiga moved from Manyara to Morogoro.
Simiyu: Water, cotton and land disputes
The new Regional Commissioner for Simiyu, Mr Said Mtanda, faces citizens' outcry regarding access to clean and safe water, challenges over cotton pricing and marketing systems, alongside land disputes between farmers and pastoralists.
Several citizens attending his reception stated their expectation is to see these challenges prioritised.
A resident of Meatu, Mr Edward Seni, stated clean and safe water provision remains a major hurdle, particularly within that district where drought is prevalent and many water sources, including rivers, are seasonal.
“The water challenge remains severe. Our area is arid and many water sources do not last year-round. We expect the new regional commissioner will address this matter with due gravity,” he said.
On his part, a cotton farmer from Mwamapalala Village, Itilima District, Mr Mabula Shimba, stated that farmers of the crop consistently face pricing challenges and a market system that leaves them vulnerable.
“Our main problem is cotton pricing. Every season the farmer feels exploited without a genuine champion. Cotton is a vital crop for this region, so we require a system yielding profitability for the farmer,” he stated.
The Simiyu Region Elders Council Secretary, Mr Samwel Kidima, urged Mr Mtanda to closely supervise the execution of government projects so public funds deliver intended outcomes.
Mwanza: Machinga dispute, sanitation and urban planning
Mwanza, among the country’s major economic hubs, welcomes its new regional commissioner, CP Salum Hamduni, with petty trader issues ranking high among matters requiring urgent resolution.
A resident of Mwanza, Ms Neema Paul, stated that recurring friction between machingas and authorities regarding trading locations remains without a permanent solution.
“The friction between petty traders and authorities over trading locations remains an issue needing attention. There has been frequent misunderstanding due to insufficient designated spaces,” she said.
Another challenge is sanitation in markets and commercial zones, where some waste removal is delayed, resulting in odours, unhygienic conditions, and inconvenience for traders and local residents.
Mr Jabir Mussa stated that unplanned construction is another issue requiring close oversight, noting that some people construct without adhering to official urban planning.
“This matter can cause problems with roads, drainage channels, public services, and residential safety, particularly during disasters like fires,” he said.
Geita: Land, minerals and investment
The new Regional Commissioner for Geita, Mr Alexander Mnyeti, encounters a region with extensive mining operations, alongside challenges in land disputes, road infrastructure, and construction of the main bus terminal.
Investment in the mining sector is among areas demanding prudent leadership, given the scale of economic activity and interests involving the government, investors, artisanal miners, and local residents.
A development stakeholder in the region, Mr Teofili Njunwa, stated that Mr Mnyeti possesses leadership experience and understands Lake Zone dynamics, expressing confidence in his capacity to address confronting challenges.
“Regarding work experience we have no doubt. He meets an economically significant region where many individuals possess funds, so he must know what decisions to make and when for the citizens' benefit,” he stated.
Mr Mnyeti is also expected to ensure land disputes are resolved and the mining investment climate remains beneficial to the government and communities surrounding mining areas.
Manyara: Land disputes and mineral opportunities
Mr Martin Shigela, former Regional Commissioner for Geita now reassigned to Manyara, meets a major challenge in land disputes between farmers and pastoralists.
However, mining sector stakeholders in the region hold high expectations for him given the experience he gained in Geita, a region renowned for mining operations.
Manyara Region Mineral Traders Association Chairman, Mr Mokia Ole Mrefu, stated that Mr Shigela has the opportunity to leverage his experience to strengthen the sector and enable youths to benefit further from mining operations.
“The good work he accomplished in Geita, including enabling many youths to achieve success, we expect he will bring to Manyara and build effectively upon where Ms Sendiga left off,” he stated.
Songwe: Fake inputs and illicit border trade
For the new Regional Commissioner for Songwe, Mr Aboubakari Kunenge, primary challenges will involve controlling fake agricultural inputs, illicit trade, and smuggling in border areas, alongside crop marketing challenges for farmers.
A resident of Mbozi, Mr Baraka Mwashinga, stated that farmers need a robust system to control substandard inputs entering the market.
He stated that fake inputs can escalate production costs and leave farmers with yields disproportionate to expenses incurred.
On his part, a trader, Mr Khamis Hussein, stated that trade management in border areas requires balance between facilitating legitimate commerce and curbing unlawful activities.
“For Songwe Region, which possesses border zones, cross-border trade management requires balancing the facilitation of lawful commerce with enforcing legal compliance,” he stated.
Mbeya: Strategic projects and infrastructure
Mr Jumanne Sagini enters Mbeya tasked with overseeing an economically crucial region, whilst certain strategic projects are reported to be stalling.
Citizens also desire to see road improvements, city cleanliness, control over unplanned construction, alongside addressing challenges of machingas operating in undesignated areas.
Mr Charles Mwakipesile stated that stalling of certain strategic projects has been a grievance for citizens and their expectation is to see the new commissioner begin by driving execution of those projects.
“Mbeya Region is strategic, but project delays cause frustration for citizens. Our expectation is to see him oversee and push stalled projects to restore public confidence in their government,” he stated.
A motorcycle taxi driver, Mr Seleman Seif, stated that they expect road improvements and measures against informal school contributions, noting that these can burden parents and contribute to student absenteeism.
“Our expectation is to see the region achieve changes in infrastructure, water, and education, alongside a parent- and teacher-friendly strategy to avoid using force to mobilise school contributions,” he said.
Morogoro: Floods, traders and water
Ms Queen Sendiga, appointed Regional Commissioner for Morogoro, encounters flooding challenges in Kihonda and Lukobe areas, where expanding drainage channels is cited as essential to mitigating rainfall impact.
Citizens also require a solution for vegetable and fruit vendors displaying goods along roadsides, particularly during evenings, causing congestion and occasionally rendering roads difficult to navigate.
Another expectation is the completion of the Mindu Dam embankment raising project, aimed at improving clean and safe water availability for Morogoro Municipality residents.
Reported by Sadam Sadick and Hawa Mathias (Mbeya), Hamid Sharif (Morogoro), Saada Amir (Mwanza), Geofrey Chubwa (Geita), Samuel Mwanga (Simiyu), Denis Sinkonde (Songwe), and Joseph Lyimo (Manyara).
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