CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan continues to attract crowds on the campaign trail, with residents of Pangani District yesterday pledging their support for her re-election, citing the numerous development projects implemented under her leadership.

Residents from different backgrounds, including the Maasai community, teachers, small traders and local leaders, turned out in large numbers to welcome Samia and to acknowledge the transformative changes brought to their area since she assumed office in 2021.

Among the flagship projects that drew praise was the construction of schools, bridges, new roads linking Tanga–Pangani–Saadani–Bagamoyo, as well as improved water supply, education and health facilities across villages.

“We are well prepared to vote on October 29. President Samia has brought us water, schools, vaccination services, dispensaries and many other key social services,” said Emmanuel Yona, a resident of Mikinguni Village in Pangani District.

Bahati Yahaya Athumani, a volunteer teacher at Funguni Secondary School, hailed Samia for expanding social services but also appealed for employment in the public sector. “Since 2021, I have been volunteering here, but what encourages me most is that the government is investing heavily in education, I hope that one day will be employed. I will wake up early in the morning to vote for her,” she said.

Women in Pangani also highlighted improvements in maternal health. “Samia has constructed many dispensaries and health centres, which have greatly improved services and enabled women to deliver safely. This is a great step for us as women because she has saved lives,” said Sada Aweso of Mikocheni Village in Mkwaja Ward.

Other residents pointed to major infrastructure upgrades. Hassan Waziri stressed that the ongoing construction of the Tanga–Pangani road was a game-changer, while Rukia Bwanga, a small-scale trader from Pangani West, noted: “Samia has transformed education, health and infrastructure in Pangani. For years we cried for the Tanga–Saadani–Bagamoyo road, and now it is becoming a reality. Samia has lifted Pangani out of isolation, and we owe her a lot.”

Bakari Bege from Pangani West said the expansion of primary and secondary schools had given their children access to quality education. “We have witnessed a wave of new schools here. On October 29, I will wake up early to cast my vote for Samia,” he assured.

Supporters at the rally emphasised that Samia’s inclusive leadership, valuing all groups in society, is one of the key reasons she continues to draw hundreds to her campaign events across the country.