The two projects have been long awaited for years to become a reality with the Head of State saying special budgets will be allocated this financial year for their full implementation. Addressing a section of city residents and government leaders who turned up to welcome him here yesterday, Dr Magufuli said the projects are now set for completion as promised.

 

"This is not my official visit; but let me take this opportunity to say something about the two projects. We will allocate the budget enough to cater for the two," he pledged.

 

Dr Magufuli was on transit to his home town of Chato in Geita Region for a brief vacation, the first since he was elected president last November.

 

Looking jubilant as he jetted in for the first time as head of state, the president recalled the intense campaigns carried out for him and the CCM, saying it was now time for serious work.

 

He pointed out that his election victory meant working tirelessly to bring about development to all the people regardless of their political affiliations.

 

On the Mwanza Airport expansion, the president was not happy to learn that a portion of a public road has been closed to pave way for the project. He ordered the reopening of the 5-km road portion to Kayenze, saying the people have been suffering by being forced to ply the long route of nearly 18 kilometres from their homes to the city centre for various services.

 

"The expansion of this facility should not be an excuse of causing inconvenience to people using this road. The expansion could alternatively be shifted to another direction," he suggested.

 

At the airport, President Magufuli joined the AIC Makongoro Choir in singing a special song for peace before hemade an offer of soft drinks to the entire gathering.

 

The Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr John Mongela, thanked the president for his show of love and promised that the blocked road portion will be lifted at once.

 

Dr Magufuli said he might decide to start an official tour of the region as soon as he completes his vacation. Meanwhile, speaking at Chato Primary School grounds after arriving in his Chato home district in Geita Region yesterday, President Magufuli urged every Tanzanian to work hard to rid the country of donor dependence, which he said ought to be given with conditions.

 

Dr Magufuli said the major task ahead of every Tanzanian was joining hands and work together in bringing development and that everyone should participate in production and work hard at his or her area of work. "We need to supervise each other and we should do so at every work station.

 

If you are an employee you should perform your duties properly, and so do the farmers, businesspeople, pastoralists and those working in the fishing industry and I believe we shall make it," he insisted as he spoke to residents in his district for the first time since he was elected president.

 

 

Source : allafrica.com