Mwanza City is ready to give a grand reception before bidding Farewell to the fallen fifth phase President, John Magufuli when his remains arrive at Mwanza Airport at 07.00am today from Zanzibar.

Preparations to receive the body of the late President are almost 100 percent complete, said the regional authorities yesterday.

Mwanza Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr. John Mongella has urged city residents to turn up in large numbers and line up the streets where the motorcade carrying the late President's casket will pass through.

He said after arriving in Mwanza, the body of the late Magufuli will be brought directly to CCM Kirumba Stadium, where prayers will be held and later residents will line up to pay their last respects to the gallant fallen leader.

"I ask residents to be prepared to receive and pay their last respects to the fallen hero in a calm atmosphere," he said.

Mr. Mongella said after the Farewell event, the motorcade carrying the late President's casket will make its way through several roads/streets of Ilemela and Nyamagana municipalities.<

He mentioned the roads/ streets where the procession will pass through as Kirumba, Makongoro, Airport, Pasiansi, Buzuruga Bus Stand, Town Centre, Mabatini, Bugando Corner, Round About, Igogo and Makuyuni.

From there, the convoy will proceed to Nyegezi, Mkolani, Buhongwa, Nyashishi and Usagara, before starting the journey to Chato through Kigongo ferry - Busisi, overlooking the ongoing construction of a modern bridge named after Magufuli.<

Construction of the 3.2-kilometre Magufuli Bridge is among landmark projects initiated by the fallen leader. <

It is financed by the Government at a cost of 699bn/-, and is being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Group (CCECG) and China Railway 15th Bureau.

After crossing the bridge, the convoy will enter Sengerema district and proceed to Geita Region and finally Chato District for Funeral of the courageous Leader who heightened and earned the country respect for his hard work.

He said all necessary preparations to receive the body of the fallen hero are complete and security will be adequate throughout the entire process in all places within Mwanza region.

Mr. Mongella has called on children and the elderly as well as those with health challenges to take extra caution to ensure their safety because they expect a huge turnout.

"It is important for them to be careful to avoid challenges that may arise, including children getting lost," he urged.

Mr. Mongella said National Leaders will also be in attendance at the CCM Kirumba Stadium.

"The late President Magufuli had great love for this city and the whole region... It is important that we also give him a befitting Farewell in a calm atmosphere, and I'm sure Mwanza residents will not disappoint," Mr. Mongella said.

The 'Daily News' yesterday witnessed various groups at the stadium making their final touches, including the first aid service providers.

This paper also observed some groups, including small scale traders commonly known as 'Machinga' and motorcyclists commonly known as 'bodaboda' appearing at the authorities (RC and RPC) requesting permission to escort the motorcade.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr. Jumanne Murilo accepted the request, but told them there is no way they can ride in front of the motorcade, instead they should be at the back and under special organisation and control.

According to him, the police force was set to conduct a special inspection and scrutiny to clear motorcycles eligible to join the motorcade.