Samia pledges to open up Lindi as defectors steal the spotlight

Concluding her two-day tour of Lindi Region, President Hassan assured thousands of residents that her government was close to finalising agreements for the long-awaited liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.

“I understand the thirst of Tanzanians to see this project start. It’s a massive investment of $40 billion, and the investor must be assured of returns,” she said.

“We also need to ensure our resources benefit our people. That is why negotiations have taken time. Now we are close to agreement,” she added.

She pledged that implementation would begin immediately once the final contract is signed: “The project is real, and we must ensure it benefits the nation.”

The rally shifted dramatically when several key opposition figures publicly joined CCM, pledging support for President Hassan.

Among them was Yusuph Tamba, former Mchinga parliamentary candidate for Chaumma, who knelt before the crowd to declare allegiance to CCM.

“I was the most formidable opposition candidate in Mchinga, but I could not continue deceiving myself or the people. Today, I return home. I ask the people of Mchinga to support Samia,” he said.

Others include Salum Baruani, former Lindi Urban MP for CUF and ex-deputy chairperson of Chadema’s Southern Zone, and Rehema John, former CUF district chairperson for Lindi and a parliamentary aspirant for Mchinga.

Mr Baruani said CCM’s manifesto convinced him to change sides. “No other party has a plan to open up Lindi like CCM. The gas project has been delayed for over 12 years, but this time I believe it will happen,” he said.

President Hassan welcomed them, saying, “I thank our fellow Tanzanians who have joined us. Their voices matter. I believe others who harbour resentment will also join hands for the sake of our country.”

Outlining her five-year vision for Lindi, she pledged three institutions: a Faculty of Agriculture under the University of Dar es Salaam, a technical college in Ruangwa, and a vocational training centre. “Education is key. Lindi will not be left behind,” she said.

She noted progress in health, with the region now having three hospitals, up from one at independence, plus 10 new dispensaries. “We are building a healthy, strong nation,” she said.

On infrastructure, she said all villages now have electricity, with sub-villages to follow in her next term. Plans include a modern airport and improved road networks. “We are here to open up Lindi completely,” she said.

President Hassan also highlighted water access, noting the national rate had reached 87 percent, and pledged to achieve universal access.

She spoke on supporting small-scale miners and resolving human-wildlife conflict with more rangers and drone technology.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, from Lindi, endorsed her leadership, urging residents to vote for her in the October 29 election.

“Under President Samia, we have seen great change. Roads, electricity, water, and the LNG project prove her commitment to transforming the region,” he said.

Several CCM candidates detailed constituency achievements. Lindi Urban candidate Utaly Mohamed cited new hospitals, schools, science labs, dispensaries, loans to women, youth, and persons with disabilities, and investment in markets.

Kilwa South candidate Hasnain Dewji praised a port project, saying it would create jobs and economic growth.

Liwale candidate Mshamu Munde noted that over Sh140 billion had been invested in the district.

Special Seats MP candidate Kijakazi Yunus reported that Sh82 billion was allocated to improve health.

Former CUF communications director Abdul Kambaya praised President Hassan for restoring Tanzania’s diplomatic standing and urged voters to “choose development, stability and CCM.”

President Samia closed the rally with a call for unity. “Let us not waste this opportunity. Let us come together and vote with purpose so we can take Tanzania even further,” she said.