AS the ruling CCM campaign gains momentum across the country, residents in Katavi Region have expressed their readiness to receive CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is expected to conduct rallies tomorrow in various parts of the region .

The excitement is evident in towns and villages across the region, with residents saying they are eager to hear Samia’s plans to further accelerate development in key sectors such as infrastructure, water and agriculture.
The residents have assured that, based on the government’s remarkable achievements over the past five years, they are determined to turn out in large numbers to vote for Samia and all other CCM candidates in the upcoming general election. They said the visible improvements in infrastructure, health, education and access to clean water have strengthened their confidence in the ruling party’s leadership and its ability to continue delivering meaningful change.

Many residents believe that the progress witnessed under Samia’s administration, ranging from new bridges and modern hospitals to improved roads and irrigation projects, reflects a strong commitment to inclusive development. They expressed optimism that another term under her leadership would accelerate ongoing projects and open more opportunities for youth, farmers, and small businesses across Katavi Region.
“I am thrilled that Mama Samia is visiting Katavi,” said Rehema Mlemba, a food vendor at Mpanda Market. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen real progress—new roads, improved hospitals, and better access to clean water. We are confident she will continue bringing positive change to our communities.”
According to the CCM manifesto, Samia has pledged to complete several major projects in the region, including the 60-metre Kavuu Bridge, the tarmacking and gravel improvement of 71 kilometres of roads in Mlele District, and the rehabilitation of the Ugalia Bridge. The government also plans to pave the Tabora–Koga–Mpanda Road and construct the Komanga–Kasinde section, covering 108 kilometres.
Other commitments include expanding irrigation schemes at Mwamapuli and Msadya, designing new schemes at Kilida and Mirumba, and improving geothermal water systems to reach villages such as Usevya and Kibaoni. Samia also promises to construct modern water filtration plants at Mamba, Nsenkwa and Ilunde.
For Mpanda District, residents will benefit from new infrastructure at the Katavi Regional Referral Hospital, including a laundry block, mortuary and waiting area for patients’ relatives. Plans are also underway to build a major bridge connecting Mpanda Municipality with Nsimbo District Council across the Mpanda River, along with a new produce market and expanded wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Local youth say the projects bring hope for jobs and growth. “We have seen the government invest heavily in roads and the airport,” said Frank Kalubi, a motorcycle rider.
“If more bridges and roads are built, business will flow better, and transport will become easier for us. We look forward to hearing more from her.”
Under Samia’s leadership, access to clean water in rural Katavi has increased from 62.2 percent 77.3 percent, while in Mpanda Municipality, coverage rose from 47 percent to 60 percent. 
 
“I appreciate the focus on water and agriculture,” said Asha Ndembo, a farmer in the region “Our crops rely on irrigation, and when projects like Mwamapuli and Msadya dams are completed, life will be easier for many farmers.”
Michael Fanuel, a teacher in Mpanda said:. “We have new schools, improved health facilities, and better transport links. We want continuity and peace to sustain this progress.”
With just 12 days to the general election, Samia’s visit is expected to solidify support for CCM in the western zone, as residents prepare to turn out in large numbers on October 29 to cast their votes.