The ruling party, CCM has praised the agricultural strides made in Rukwa Region, particularly the significant increase in maize production — from 300,000 tonnes to over 500,000 tonnes in just four and a half years.

Speaking during a campaign stop in Laela, Sumbawanga Rural District, ahead of a rally featuring CCM Presidential running mate Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, the party’s Rukwa Regional Chairperson, Silafu Maufi, called for greater investment in the agricultural sector.

Dr Nchimbi, outlining CCM’s recent achievements, highlighted transformative progress across key sectors including health, education, infrastructure, and water access.

In the health sector, he noted the introduction of emergency surgical services at the district hospital — a first for the region — made possible through collaboration with the Catholic Church.

Education has also seen marked improvement over the past five years, with the number of primary schools increasing from 104 to 118. The number of teachers has skyrocketed from just 14 to 1,660, significantly improving the student-teacher ratio and educational outcomes.

Water access across Rukwa has improved through the implementation of 15 new water projects, bringing clean and safe water to more communities.

Infrastructure development has been a key focus, with over TSh 11 billion invested in road construction, resulting in 2.7 kilometres of new roads. In agriculture, more than 7,400 tonnes of subsidised fertiliser have been distributed alongside improved seeds, boosting productivity.

The livestock sector has benefited from increased access to veterinary medicines, while regional security has been enhanced through the addition of new patrol boats.

Looking ahead, Dr Nchimbi unveiled CCM’s ambitious five-year development plan for Rukwa Region. Top priorities include the construction of three new health centres — including one in Laela — and the building of 203 new secondary schools, along with expanded classrooms at the primary level.

To strengthen food security and promote commercial farming, the party aims to expand irrigation schemes, ensure timely delivery of fertilisers, and increase the availability of high-quality seeds.

Further improvements in road infrastructure — both gravel and tarmac — are planned to enhance regional connectivity. A new modern bus terminal is also set to be built in Laela, featuring retail spaces designed to boost local commerce.

The party also plans to enhance access to clean water by rehabilitating dams and drilling more deep wells, targeting 90 percent water coverage across the region.

Other planned developments include the construction of a new market in Laela and the establishment of an industrial cluster for processing food and dairy products — a move expected to add value to local produce and create employment opportunities.

Dr Nchimbi concluded by reaffirming CCM’s commitment to rural development and urged the people of Rukwa to support the party in the upcoming general election.
“Let us finish what we started and go even further,” he said.

Echoing his remarks, Chairperson Maufi called on the CCM-led government to prioritise infrastructure development — particularly road construction and rehabilitation — as a strategic pillar for regional growth.

She encouraged residents to vote for CCM in the upcoming elections to ensure the continuation and expansion of ongoing development projects.