New Mbeya regional chief takes office with roads high on agenda

Mbeya’s new regional commissioner, Jumanne Sagini, has arrived with three priorities: cleaner surroundings, completion of a four-lane road and stronger markets for rice and avocados.

Speaking during his reception on the night of 7 September, Sagini said environmental cleanliness would be a major focus, following direction from President Samia Suluhu Hassan when regional commissioners took their oaths. He called on public servants to carry out their responsibilities and instructed directors to oversee cleanliness in their areas.

Sagini also addressed frustration over the unfinished four-lane road, citing complaints from residents and traffic faced by national leaders visiting the region. He said he would work with the Tanzania Roads Agency and the regional administrative secretary to identify funding, end the problem and complete other stalled projects.

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If Mbeya City ranked first for environmental cleanliness for three consecutive years in the past, why can it not do so again today? I will meet with experts, we will set strategies, and this is possible.

On agricultural markets, Sagini said Mbeya should add value to rice and avocados. He referred to the region’s population of more than 3.2 million as an initial market, including public and private institutions, and proposed packaging rice under the name “Mbeya Rice”. He said the region should view its situation as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

District Commissioner Alhaji Mbaraka Batenga said officials across Mbeya were ready to cooperate with the new commissioner. He described the region as peaceful and said district leaders would work together to meet the expectations of the president and residents.

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I have seen that Mbeya has more than 3.2 million people, which means we ourselves are the first market. Initially, we will sell to public and private institutions, then package our rice with the label ‘Mbeya Rice’. We have no challenge, but an opportunity.