PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has agreed to elevate Kibaha Town Council to Municipal Council status, Minister of State in the President's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government), Mohamed Mchengerwa has said.

Mchengerwa made the announcement yesterday during a ceremony to support resolutions of CCM’s National Congress which endorsed President Samia as the party’s presidential candidate in the upcoming General Election alongside her running mate Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi.

The party also endorsed Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi as its presidential candidate for Zanzibar.

Speaking at the event held at Mailimoja in Kibaha, Mchengerwa who is also a member of CCM's National Executive Committee from the Coast Region confirmed that the President has approved the request and further processes will continue to complete the ongoing projects.

CCM Chairman in Coast Region, Ramadhani Mlao, stated that the party fully supports the resolutions of the congress, including the endorsement of presidential candidates for both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

Kibaha Urban MP Sylvestry Koka expressed gratitude to the President for approving the elevation of   Kibaha to municipality status     following a long-standing request.

He noted that the development was a result of the progress made in the town and that efforts to modernise Kibaha continue. 

"Today is a day of joy, and we commend our government for the decision made to ensure that Kibaha becomes a municipality," he said.

He highlighted the many developments that have taken place which justify the town's elevation to new status. 

"In 2010 the paved road was only the one from Tamko through Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital, but now 21 kilometres of roads have been paved and every ward has paved roads," he said.

Koka also mentioned that the only remaining challenge is access to water at Pangani Ward which is currently being addressed and will soon be resolved.