Kagera farmers through their cooperative unions have paid tribute to the fallen President John Magufuli for his efforts to promote their welfare.
Chairman of the Kagera Cooperative Union (KCU 1990 Ltd), Onesmo Niyegira described Dr. Magufuli as a dedicated leader who sacrificed his life to serve Tanzanians.
"Most of the cooperative societies in the country had almost collapsed, but he took bold steps to revive them. JPM also fought corruption and was pro-poor.
Farmers in Kagera Region will always cherish the good things president Magufuli implemented during his term in office. "On behalf of Kagera farmers we pray to the Almighty God to rest his soul in eternal peace," he prayed.
Mr. Niyegira listed some of the shining projects implemented in the region to include the New MV Victoria Hapa Kazi Tu steamer.
"The revival of this vessel means a lot to the public. This is a golden opportunity for people to speed their development. We thank Dr. Magufuli for fulfilling his promise. People in Lake Zone regions should get ready to improve their economy through increased production of both cash and food crops. This is a great opportunity which should not be missed," he remarked.
The old MV Victoria was grounded in 2014. It has been completely rehabilitated with new engines. Initial fares had been fixed as follows.... 45,000/- for first class, 30,000/- for business class and 16,000/- for economy class.
Children aged between 1-3 years are exempted from paying fares, while those aged between 3-12 years will pay half the normal rate.
The revival of the water transport from Kagera Region to Mwanza means a lot to the economy of the Lake Zone, whose other activities hinge on the transport.
The Government is focusing on boosting businesses through water transport because it is cheap and reliable in comparison to other means of transport.
In its repair commissioned to KTMI Company from South Korea, about 22.8bn/- was spent, whereas in 2018, the Government through MSCL injected 152bn/ to revive three vessels and finance the construction of a shipway at Mwanza South Port in Mwanza City.
The project also involved the construction of another new ship in Lake Victoria at 89.7bn/- with a capacity to carry 1,200 passengers, 400 tonnes of cargo, 20 small vehicles and three trucks.
A mega project was in progress by utilising water from the Kagera River to supply clean water to residents at Kyaka trading centre, Bunazi, Kagera Sugar and surrounding wards of Kilimilile, Kassambya and Mushasha.
Currently, the area has a population of about 37,350 and is expected to increase to 77,055. The water demand to-date was about 741,000 litres, and during the next five years the demand will be 1.3million litres.
On Monday, thousands of Tanzanians attended Dr. Magufuli's State Funeral in the capital Dodoma, which was attended by several African leaders who gave glowing tributes to the fallen leader.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president Felix Tshisekedi said the continent was saddened by the death of the revolutionary who died last week following heart complications at the age of 61.
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa described him as a true Pan-Africanist who was unapologetic about being an African and will be remembered for being a warrior against corruption, and who worked for his people.
Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi said the former Tanzanian president will stay in the hearts of many.
In his tribute, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera referred to Mr. Magufuli as Africa's finest son whose life of service will be remembered by many.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan remembered her predecessor as a champion of the poor and a religious man. "He wasn't just our leader but also a guardian and parent to many... and an honest man," she said.