CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan has said that her administration has completed all the major strategic projects initiated by the late President John Magufuli, describing him as a visionary and patriotic leader whose dream for a modern and industrial Tanzania continues to be realised.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Chato, Geita Region yesterday, the hometown of the late Magufuli — Samia paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, saying he laid a strong foundation for transformative projects that have reshaped the nation’s development landscape.

“Magufuli was a courageous, patriotic and visionary leader. He was also a mentor and teacher who guided me well, and that is why I have been able to continue and complete most of the major initiatives he started,” she said.

Samia said that when she took office, several flagship projects were still under construction, including the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), which was at 37 percent completion. “Today, the project is complete and it stands as one of the continent’s largest hydropower undertakings, a testament to his vision and our continued commitment,” she said.

She further noted that the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, which Magufuli left at just over 30 percent completion for the Dar es Salaam–Dodoma section, has now been finalised, with additional sections progressing steadily.

Other strategic initiatives such as the Kigongo–Busisi Bridge, the longest in East Africa, have also been completed, easing transport and trade across Lake Victoria. The government has equally fulfilled the national relocation to Dodoma, a milestone that Magufuli had championed as part of decentralisation and improved government efficiency.

Samia said her administration has continued to push forward with other major projects, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) from Hoima in Uganda to the Port of Tanga, affirming that construction is advancing well.

“Many achievements have been made over the past five years in various sectors including health, education, water, electricity and infrastructure. We are implementing all these projects not only to advance national progress but also to honour the legacy of our late leader,” she added.

She emphasised that her leadership remains committed to sustaining Magufuli’s vision of economic self-reliance and industrial transformation, promising to build on the progress made to bring inclusive prosperity to all Tanzanians.

“Magufuli’s spirit of patriotism and hard work lives on through the projects we continue to implement. His dream was to see Tanzania industrialised, self-sufficient and united and that dream will not die,” she said .