RESIDENTS in Songwe and Mbeya regions have expressed high hopes ahead of the campaign rally by the rulling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, scheduled to take place in Songwe tomorrow and later in Mbeya.

Communities in both regions, whose economies depend heavily on farming, cross-border trade, and small businesses, told The Guardian yesterday that they expect the CCM candidate to address issues critical to their daily lives, ranging from agriculture and trade to improved social services.

In Songwe, which serves as a gateway for regional trade with Malawi and Zambia, business operators said they were eager to see stronger commitments on cross-border infrastructure and market expansion. John Mwangupili, a trader at Mbalizi said: “Our businesses could grow faster if roads, border facilities and logistics are improved. We hope she will further commit to strengthening trade environment.”

Mariam Mwakitalima, a maize grower and trader in Songwe thanked the government for themajor strides it had done in the farming sector which include subsidized inputs including fertiliser.

She however urge that more  irrigation schemes and systems are needed to heighten production and storage. “We depend on farming for survival, but we need clear strategies that guarantee markets and reduce wastage of our produce,” she said.

Mercy Donald, a 27-year-old tailoring entrepreneur in Mbeya City, urged the CCM candidate to ensure easier access to start-up loans and vocational training. “We are energetic and ready to work, but without capital or training, it becomes difficult to start or sustain businesses,” she explained.

Meanwhile, residents highlighted health and education as equally pressing priorities. Emanuel Ng’ambi, a father of three, noted: “We want to hear plans for more schools and well-equipped health centres.”

Following a major campaign rally in Kawe, Dar es Salaam, similar scenes were witnessed in Morogoro’s Kawawa grounds, Kondoa, and Dodoma city, where thousands of residents turned out in large numbers to support thd CCM presidential candidate.
Political analysts observe that the response reflects growing momentum in CCM’s campaign trail, as the party continues to present its pledges and policies to citizens across various regions of the country.