Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan arrived in Katavi Region today, marking the beginning of a four-day working visit aimed at showcasing significant developmental strides in this western region of the country.
During her tour, President Samia is set to engage with local citizens and inspect various projects that underscore her administration’s commitment to rural development.
A key highlight of her visit will be the official inauguration of the newly completed Katavi Regional Referral Hospital, a facility expected to dramatically improve access to specialized healthcare services for residents who previously had to travel long distances for such care.
In a statement released upon her arrival, President Samia announced that Katavi is on the brink of a major infrastructural milestone.
“In about three months, we expect to connect Katavi to the National Grid for reliable electricity,” she stated. This connection will be made possible by the recently completed 383-kilometer power transmission line from Tabora to Mpanda, which the President described as “one of the longest power transmission lines in East Africa.”
The visit also shines a spotlight on agricultural development in the region, where farming is the primary occupation. President Samia highlighted the construction of a new grain silo in Mpanda, designed to enhance food security and provide better storage facilities for local farmers. Additionally, she mentioned the development of Karema Port on Lake Tanganyika, a project aimed at boosting trade with neighboring countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Burundi.
“These two steps provide a reliable market for agriculture and the economy for the people of Katavi and neighboring regions,” President Samia emphasized, underscoring her government’s focus on creating economic opportunities in rural areas.
The President expressed satisfaction with the visible progress in Katavi, noting an influx of people from other regions seeking opportunities in this evolving landscape. “Katavi is changing,” she remarked, “It’s a great comfort to see the people of Katavi using these new opportunities to make significant progress.”
As the tour progresses, it is expected to further illuminate the government’s efforts in balancing national development across Tanzania’s diverse regions, with a particular emphasis on infrastructure, healthcare, and economic growth in previously underserved areas.
