President Samia vows improved water services as CCM on Mtwara Region’s campaign trail

Mtwara. CCM presidential candidate President Samia Suluhu Hassan on September 24, launched her campaign in Mtwara Region, promising to accelerate access to water and revitalise agriculture, with a particular focus on the cashew sector that sustains thousands of farmers in the southern regions.

Addressing residents in Nanyumbu District after arriving from Nakapanya in Tunduru North, Ruvuma Region, President Hassan said government investment in large-scale water supply projects had already begun to change lives. She pointed out that the initiatives were not future pledges but tangible developments already being experienced by communities.

“We have brought water from Ruvuma River to the surrounding areas,” she said.

“In 17 locations, we have implemented major water projects. In Maratani Ward, we have a project with 600 connections. In Sengenya Ward, another large project is underway with 850 connections. These are not plans but realities already on the ground.”

She explained that the programme now covers 18 villages, enabling households that once endured severe water shortages to access reliable supplies.

The projects, she noted, were designed to respond to local demands raised by residents, and her visit was aimed at confirming progress on the ground.

“This is sufficient evidence that your voices have reached us. That is why I came personally to see for myself, to hear you, and to respond accordingly,” she said.

Turning to agriculture, President Hassan acknowledged frustrations expressed by cashew farmers in the past, particularly delays in government support and challenges in accessing markets.

She assured them that these concerns were being taken seriously, announcing a government allocation of Sh3.5 billion to strengthen the cashew value chain.

According to her, the funds will be directed to processing, storage facilities and measures to stabilise market prices.

She said reforms introduced in the past year had already yielded improvements, noting a marked difference between the 2023/24 season and the current harvest.

“We have made deliberate efforts to address the gaps, and we are going to continue improving the systems. From the 2023/24 season to this year’s harvest, you have seen the difference,” she told farmers.

President Hassan stressed that her campaign message was focused on delivery rather than declarations, underlining that development is achieved through deliberate planning and collective effort.

“Development does not come by chance, but through collective effort. We will ensure that all citizens benefit from improved services, agriculture thrives, and every Tanzanian enjoys the prosperity of our nation,” she said.

She pledged further investment in both water projects and agricultural support, promising to face challenges “together” with citizens.

Meanwhile, CCM Secretary General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro praised President Hassan for her style of leadership, which she described as both impactful and compassionate.

She commended the President for implementing projects that touch people’s lives directly while at the same time steering the nation with stability.

“President Hassan has accomplished many great things, and she has done so with a strong sense of compassion and respect for human dignity,” she said.

Reflecting on the leadership transition following the death of former President John Magufuli, Dr Migiro said the country had remained stable under President Hassan’s guidance.

“We suffered a great tragedy with the passing of our former President, Dr John Pombe Magufuli. But President Samia stepped in and led the nation without hesitation or uncertainty. She gave us confidence and stability when we needed it most,” she said.

Dr Migiro added that such leadership continues to strengthen CCM’s trust among Tanzanians as the party seeks re-election.

In a separate address, CCM’s Mtwara Regional Chairman, Said Nyengedi, expressed confidence that the region would deliver overwhelming support for the ruling party in the coming elections.

“Mtwara is fully prepared to support CCM because the people have seen firsthand our commitment to fulfilling the promises we make,” he said.

He added that CCM’s development record in the region had built trust among voters, saying: “We are confident that our track record and dedication to the people of Mtwara will secure us a strong mandate once again.”