WITH merely three weeks remaining before Tanzanians head to the polls, CCM presidential candidate Samia Suluhu Hassan has urged voters to come out in large numbers and deliver a resounding victory for the ruling party.

Addressing a campaign rally in Babati, Manyara Region yesterday, Samia said Tanzanians should turn out in full force on October 29 to safeguard the gains achieved over the past five years and accelerate ongoing transformation projects.
She said that CCM remains the only movement capable of sustaining the nation’s development and unity.
 “Do not go to the polls alone, go with your families, friends and neighbours. Let every local leader ensure that all registered voters turn up to cast their ballots,” she said. “When we vote together, we prove that CCM is trusted, respected and loved by the people.”
Samia said her next administration will prioritise improving rural infrastructure, constructing modern roads, bridges and markets to enhance trade and access to services. 
She mentioned key projects in Manyara including the 453-kilometre Arusha–Simanjiro–Kongwa highway and the 90-kilometre Nangwa–Kondoa road, which will boost regional connectivity and ease the transport of farm produce.

She reaffirmed her commitment to industrialisation by promising the establishment of crop-processing factories in every district, enabling farmers to benefit from value addition. 
She noted that new warehouses with a combined storage capacity of 40,000 tonnes have been built to strengthen food security and boost grain trade.
The CCM candidate also highlighted progress in agriculture, saying the government is targeting to raise wheat production in Manyara to one million tonnes by 2030 through improved irrigation and subsidised farm inputs. Livestock vaccination will continue to be offered at affordable prices to enhance animal health and productivity, while grazing land will be expanded from 3.6 million to six million hectares to support pastoralists.
In the social sector, Samia cited major strides in water, health and education services. She said over 1,600 water projects have been implemented nationwide, benefiting more than 12 million people. 
Turning to tourism, Samia said the country has attracted 5.3 million tourists this year, including 1.65 million who visited the Tarangire National Park. 
She stressed the importance of conservation and directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism of Water to find lasting solutions to human–wildlife conflicts around the Mkungunero Game Reserve which include sending enough water to the villages.
CCM Secretary General Dr Asha-Rose Migiro urged Manyara residents to vote for CCM to preserve peace and stability as well heighten development, while former Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye described Samia as a “visionary leader” committed to inclusive development.