CCM will double the national agriculture budget over the next five years if re-elected, the party’s presidential running mate, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, pledged during a campaign rally in Mpwapwa District, Dodoma Region yesterday.

Dr Nchimbi said the increased funding will support the expansion of irrigation schemes, boost access to fertiliser, seed, and pesticide subsidies, and strengthen agricultural extension services to promote modern and climate-resilient farming practices in rural areas.

“We cannot stop at what we’ve achieved—agriculture must be sustained and expanded,” he said. “Farmers in Mpwapwa and across the country will continue to benefit from direct government support.”

Addressing a packed crowd, Dr Nchimbi unveiled a comprehensive infrastructure development plan aimed at increasing clean water access in Mpwapwa from 66percent to 85percent.

Key water projects include the Pwaga–Mungui–Itende–Maswala water supply scheme, as well as the Mugoma project in Godegode Ward, which involves drilling deep wells, constructing tanks, and expanding water distribution networks. 

Additional wells will also be drilled in unserved villages.

In the transport sector, Dr Nchimbi announced the tarmacking of the Mpwapwa–Gulwe–Chipogoro road (75 km) and the completion of the Kongwa Junction–Nghambi–Mpwapwa road (32 km).

 Further plans include concrete and gravel upgrades for various feeder and urban roads, and the installation of streetlights in Mpwapwa town.

“Even the roads from my hometown of Songea seem to have been relocated to Mpwapwa,” he joked, in response to local demands for improved infrastructure.

On education, Dr Nchimbi reiterated CCM’s commitment to free education from nursery through A-Level, and pledged the construction of nine new primary schools, five secondary schools, and 129 new classrooms in Mpwapwa.

 The plan also includes 21 new teachers’ houses to address staffing challenges in rural areas.

In the health sector, the party will upgrade Mpwapwa District Hospital and build five health centres, nine dispensaries, and 23 staff houses, aiming to bring healthcare services closer to communities.

Mpwapwa is also slated for industrial investment under the CCM manifesto, with proposed factories for sunflower oil, animal feed, and meat and dairy processing, aimed at creating jobs and boosting local value addition.

At the national level, CCM plans to create eight million jobs over the next five years, targeting both formal and informal sectors. Dr Nchimbi also pledged to continue the 10percent local government loan scheme for women, youth, and people with disabilities, with reforms to ensure the funds reach their intended recipients.

He credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan for initiating sweeping changes to eliminate misuse of public funds in the loan programme.

“The President has put in place new systems to stop dishonest officials from diverting money meant for the people,” said Dr Nchimbi.

To further empower entrepreneurs, 200bn/- will be allocated in the early days of a new CCM term to support small-scale business owners.

Recognising Mpwapwa’s pastoralist population, Dr Nchimbi outlined plans to build 12 new cattle dips, construct dams for water storage during dry seasons, and establish modern slaughterhouses, to improve hygiene, livestock health, and market access.

Dr Nchimbi’s visit to Mpwapwa is part of a wider campaign tour as CCM seeks a renewed mandate in the upcoming general election. 

With pledges spanning agriculture, infrastructure, health, education, and economic empowerment, the party is positioning itself as a driver of inclusive development and continuity.