CCM instructs govt to ensure fertiliser reaches farmers on time

SIMIYU: THE ruling party CCM has instructed the government to ensure that high-quality fertiliser reaches farmers on time.

It also warned irresponsible Members of Parliament, reminding them of their duty to address citizens’ concerns.

This directive was issued by the CCM Secretary-General, Ambassador Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, during a public meeting held in Maswa District, Simiyu Region on Tuesday evening.

He made these remarks following complaints from citizens about delays in fertiliser delivery, as well as the poor quality of some fertilisers and pesticides, with others expressing concerns about high input prices.

Dr Nchimbi said that delays in fertiliser distribution could negatively affect agricultural productivity and the country’s food security.

“The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, must ensure that fertiliser is supplied on time so that agriculture can be productive. Ensure that the fertiliser supplied to the public is of high quality,” he said.

Dr Nchimbi also directed the government to expedite the availability and distribution of subsidised seeds so that farmers can access them at lower prices.

He encouraged the Ministry of Agriculture to continue efforts to find markets so that farmers are able to sell their produce at good prices.

He took the opportunity to commend Simiyu Region for being a leader in the agricultural sector, particularly in cotton farming and urged other regions to follow suit.

Dr Nchimbi said that the party will support MPs who work diligently to serve the public by actively participating in solving their challenges.

He expressed frustration at MPs who focus on personal interests rather than addressing citizens’ problems.

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“CCM will continue to support MPs who care for the public, while those who show no interest in serving the people will be dropped within the party.

“MPs who have a strained relationship with their constituents may struggle to understand the community’s needs and challenges. This can hinder local development and erode public trust in elected officials.”

On the other hand, Stanslaus Nyongo, the MP for Maswa East (CCM), praised the government’s efforts to ensure that the constituents receive development funding on time.

He noted that in 2015, access to water in rural areas at the constituency was below 40 per cent but now ongoing projects have increased access to 68 per cent in rural areas and 74 per cent in urban areas.

He said that the government has allocated 3.5bn/- to build a water filtration system, enabling the people of Maswa District to access clean and safe water.

Mr Nyongo added that the government has also provided 1bn/- to construct a water storage tank with a capacity of 1 million litres, along with 712m/- for distributing water pipes in urban areas.

“Regarding health, our district hospital previously lacked an X-ray machine, but the government has provided us with that machine, and we have now received 900m/- to construct a laboratory building that will offer those services,” he said.

The MP for Maswa West, Mashimba Ndaki, stated that the government has allocated significant funds for various development projects, including those in education and water sectors.

“We used to drink contaminated water and some areas had no water at all, but now we have numerous ongoing projects and soon all villages will have clean and safe water,” he said.