Samia Launches Drone Stations to Protect Wildlife in Lake Zone
Drone Surveillance to Combat Wildlife Threats in Maswa
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the CCM presidential candidate, has announced a new initiative to expand the use of drone surveillance stations across the Lake Zone, starting with Maswa District. This move aims to address the persistent issue of wild animals invading villages and damaging farmlands.
At a campaign rally in Maswa, Shinyanga Region, on Friday, October 11, 2025, President Hassan emphasized that this initiative is part of her government’s efforts to protect both citizens and crops near game reserves. She stated that the government has already taken concrete steps, with one of the monitoring centers in Maswa receiving new equipment, including drones capable of detecting animals leaving the parks and directing rangers to drive them back.
“We will build more of these centres across this region and other parts of the Lake Zone to ensure people and their farms are safe,” she added.
Government Achievements in Key Sectors
President Hassan also highlighted the major strides made by her administration in improving vital sectors such as education, water, health, electricity, agriculture, and livestock. She stressed that her government would continue to complete ongoing projects and initiate new ones to ensure every Tanzanian enjoys quality social services.
“We have achieved a lot in education, water, health, and electricity. But our work is not done yet. We are continuing to ensure that every citizen has access to clean water and health services close to their respective home,” she said.
Electricity, she noted, is a cornerstone of both development and safety. “Electricity means progress, it means security, and it brings light into our homes. Just as we pray to God for divine light, in this world, our light is electricity,” she said to loud applause.
“We have already connected all villages, and now we are moving to connect every hamlet. Our goal is for every household to have electricity,” she added.
Agricultural Support and Future Goals
In the realm of agriculture, President Hassan outlined her government’s continued support for farmers through fertiliser and input subsidies, irrigation projects, and livestock vaccination programmes. She explained that they have made good progress with fertiliser subsidies and farm inputs, renovated and built new cattle markets, and made irrigation a top priority.
“By 2030, when I retire to my village, I want to see the agriculture sector growing by at least 10 percent annually, up from the current four or five percent,” she stressed.
She also mentioned the promotion of processing industries for agricultural, livestock, and fishery products to create employment opportunities for graduates from vocational and technical training centres. “We want our young people to find jobs in processing industries, turning our farm, livestock, and fish products into finished goods,” she said.
Infrastructure Projects for Economic Growth
President Hassan also highlighted major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting the Simiyu economy, including the Sh18 billion Maswa bypass road and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Arusha, which will pass through Maswa. “The SGR will have a major station here in Maswa for both passengers and cargo. This will open up new business opportunities for our people,” she said.
Addressing Challenges in the Cotton Sector
Earlier, CCM Simiyu Regional Chairperson, Ms Shamsa Mohamed, commended the government for major reforms in the cotton sector and efforts to address long-standing challenges facing farmers. She noted that previously, cotton farmers faced many difficulties, but the government has supplied fertilizers and pesticides. “Through the Ministry of Agriculture, we now have an investor who will build a factory in Itilima. Since Simiyu leads the country in cotton production, this competition will raise prices for our farmers,” she added.
Ms Shamsa also acknowledged the ongoing challenge of wildlife in villages near conservation areas but expressed optimism that the 2025–2030 implementation plan, including the drone programme, will provide a lasting solution. “Many villages border wildlife reserves, which causes human-wildlife conflict. But with these new drone centres, I’m confident this problem will soon be history,” she said.
A Confident Appeal to Voters
President Hassan concluded her speech with a confident appeal to voters to maintain their trust in CCM, citing the party’s proven record of delivery. “When I took an oath to lead this nation, I said I would work and let the people themselves judge. CCM has delivered, and we will continue to deliver. We believe we can do even more for Tanzanians,” she declared.
