LUKUMAY BRINGS IPU LAWMAKERS TO ARUMERU, HAILS SH264M MODERN HEALTH CENTRE IN ILKIDING’A

LUKUMAY BRINGS IPU LAWMAKERS TO ARUMERU, HAILS SH264M MODERN HEALTH CENTRE IN ILKIDING’A

By Joseph Ngilisho | ARUMERU

ARUMERU MAGHARIBI MP Dkt Johannes Lembulung Lukumay has brought members of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Committee on Development to Arumeru Magharibi, where they witnessed the impact of private-sector investment in irrigation and rural development.

Speaking on October 6, 2026, during the committee’s visit to an irrigation canal project supported by the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) in Ilkiding’a Ward, Dr Lukumay said the private sector has a critical role to play in achieving the country’s Development Vision 2050.

He praised TAHA for investing in irrigation infrastructure and supporting farmers to increase production, improve household incomes and create economic opportunities for local communities.

“The private sector is expected to contribute about 70 per cent to the implementation of our Development Vision. We therefore need to continue involving and empowering the private sector so that it can play an even greater role in bringing development to our people,” Dr Lukumay said.

He commended TAHA and its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jacqueline Mkindi, for supporting irrigation projects designed to enable farmers to increase agricultural productivity.

According to Dr Lukumay, the project has already produced significant results, particularly in onion farming, with farmers recording a sharp increase in yields since the introduction of irrigation.

“We have learnt that before TAHA came in, one acre of onions produced about 10 bags. Today, farmers are harvesting up to 50 bags per acre. This demonstrates the significant progress and benefits that our people are gaining,” he said.

He said the investment had also created opportunities for young people and other residents to secure employment and increase their incomes, stressing the need for more investments that deliver tangible benefits to communities.

Dr Lukumay also thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts to accelerate the implementation of major social and economic development projects, including infrastructure development and strengthening cooperation between the Government and the private sector.

“I thank President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for her efforts to accelerate major social and economic projects, with a focus on infrastructure development, strengthening the workforce and improving cooperation between the Government and the private sector,” he said.

The Arumeru Magharibi legislator further expressed appreciation to members of the IPU committee for taking time off their busy schedule to visit the area and witness first-hand how investment in irrigation is transforming the lives of farmers.

“We sincerely thank you for taking the time to visit this area and meet our people. We greatly value your time and are pleased that you have had an opportunity to witness the development taking place here,” Dr Lukumay said.

The visit formed part of efforts to showcase local development initiatives and the contribution of private-sector partnerships to improving livelihoods, particularly through modern agriculture and irrigation.

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