Mrema promises to support CCM presidential candidate

DESPITE the fact that Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) has a presidential candidate in the forthcoming October 25, General election, the national chairman of the same party, Mr Augustine Mrema has pledged to support Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) candidate Dr John Magufuli.

Addressing a public rally at Njiapanda here recently, Mr Mrema who is seeking reelection as Vunjo Legislator, told the electorate that Dr Magufuli can take over from President Jakaya Kikwete, due to his hardworking and faithfulness.

The area is the place where TLP Presidential Candidate, Mr Macmillan Lyimo, launched his election campaigns, urging voters to ensure Mr Mrema goes back to parliament as he would be a key member in his envisaged cabinet.

However, this time round, Mr Mrema was singing praise to Dr Magufuli, saying he was a clean person, makes strict follow-ups, is never involved in shoddy deals and has demonstrated that through road construction all over the country.

He said the ministry of works is a difficult place to work at, as a lot of money is channeled there for construction of roads, but Dr Magufuli, faithful as he is, ensured no cent was deviated from targeted projects and dealt with unscrupulous officials and engineers.

Mr Mrema cited some roads in Vunjo Constituency as having been constructed during Dr Magufuli’s stint as Minister for Works. Dr Magufuli, said Mr Mrema, did a huge job to construct Marangu Mtoni – Kilema – Kawawa Road at tarmac level, so even the electorate have benefited for him being a minister.

He said he was seeking to go back to parliament due to unfinished development projects for his electorate that needs his special attention as an MP to complete. “I am not going to carry concrete loads in parliament. I am diabetic since 1985 but have made a good leader.

I do not blame Chadema’ members, the problem is with their leaders as they are the ones tarnishing my image. I ask myself, what is wrong with me? Is it my advanced age? If that is the case they should leave it to the electorate to decide, why they do this to me?” asked the dejected candidate.

He expressed his thanks to President Kikwete and government of Germany for donating 950m/- to complete the water project at Himo town. He said he used more than 40m/- from Constituency Fund to support Mama Lishe groups and is set to use 200m/- in development projects in the next five years’ period.

Mr Mrema said women should expect 40m/- while he plans to get the youth 20m/- to procure motorbikes as a means for self employment so as to do away with poverty. He said he was sad that some TLP members were joining NCCR-Mageuzi after being manipulated by leaders of the latter party.