SONGWE: VP orders timely delivery VICE-PRESIDENT Deogratius Ndejembi has directed ministers and government officials to accelerate the implementation of development projects, warning that citizens need tangible results, including reliable water, electricity and roads, rather than repeated promises.
He issued the directive during public meetings with residents of Tunduma, Vwawa and Mlowo in Songwe Region, where he listened to concerns about essential services, infrastructure and agricultural produce prices.
Mr Ndejembi instructed ministers accompanying him on the working visit to ensure that projects under their respective sectors were implemented according to schedule and that challenges raised by residents received prompt attention.
On water supply, the Vice-President directed officials responsible for the sector to accelerate implementation of the major Tunduma water project, saying President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan had already provided an advance payment, leaving no justification for unnecessary delays.
He said the government expected the project to progress without further setbacks to enable residents to access reliable water services. On electricity, Mr Ndejembi directed the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (TANESCO) to fulfil its commitment to connect the Nkangamo power substation by December this year.
He said completing the project on time would improve electricity reliability in Songwe Region, particularly Tunduma, while supporting businesses and other productive activities. The Vice-President also instructed Works Minister Masanja Kadogosa to strengthen supervision of a road construction project in the area to ensure its completion by October 31, 2026, as promised.
He said residents should not continue bearing the consequences of construction delays when such projects were intended to improve their daily lives, facilitate transport and stimulate economic activities. Mr Ndejembi stressed that the success of government development plans depended on accountability, effective supervision and adherence to implementation schedules. He said leaders and public officials should be assessed based on tangible results and improvements in people’s lives rather than promises.
The Vice-President further emphasised that access to development services should not be determined by political ideology or a person’s place of origin, insisting that all citizens deserved quality public services. He urged government leaders to prioritise citizens’ interests by responding to public concerns and providing lasting solutions to challenges facing communities.
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Meanwhile, Mr Ndejembi directed the Ministry of Agriculture to investigate the continued decline in maize prices and identify measures to address farmers’ concerns over low returns. He said the ministry should urgently establish the factors contributing to falling prices and propose solutions that would protect farmers’ interests and improve their earnings.
The directive followed complaints from farmers during public meetings in Vwawa and Mlowo, in Mbozi District, where agricultural prices emerged among the issues requiring government intervention. The Vice-President said addressing the problem required prompt action by the responsible authorities to establish the causes and develop appropriate measures to ease the challenges facing producers.
He said government efforts to improve citizens’ livelihoods should go hand in hand with accountability among leaders and public officials responsible for implementing policies and resolving problems in their areas of jurisdiction. During the meetings, ministers accompanying him had an opportunity to listen to residents’ concerns and explain measures being taken to address challenges within their respective sectors.
The delegation included ministers responsible for Energy, Water, Works, Home Affairs and the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG). Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi urged residents to safeguard peace, unity and stability by avoiding actions that could threaten public security.
He said the government would continue enforcing the law and taking appropriate action against individuals found engaging in acts that undermine peace. Mr Katambi also called on citizens to cooperate with security organs in maintaining stability, saying every Tanzanian had a responsibility to protect national unity and social cohesion.
The Vice-President is continuing his working visit to Songwe and Mbeya regions after travelling from Rukwa, where he represented President Dr Samia at the climax of the 2026 Uhuru Torch Race, which coincided with the 27th anniversary of the death of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere.