PRESIDENT John Magufuli has said plans are underway for the construction of Kigongo- Busisi Bridge, promising that it will be as good and attractive like the Nyerere Bridge in Dar es Salaam.

Dr Magufuli was addressing residents of Sengerema as he began his two-day tour of Mwanza Region, adding that the money towards the construction of the bridge has been budgeted for already. He said his government was on its mark as it starts implementing the election manifesto, insisting that all the money will be allocated to the intended projects without fail.

“We have already set aside money for the construction of the bridge to facilitate passenger transportation and movements of goods. The Kigongo-Busisi one will be just like that of Kigamboni and its construction is underway,” he told the rally.

The president told the fully- packed ground that things were set to improve in Lake Victoria as well while the new vessel plying between Bukoba and Mwanza was on its way. He said the vessel will have the capacity of carrying 1,000 passengers and 800 tonnes of cargo, while the government was also looking for funds to make sure that the Sengerema-Kamanga and Sengerema-Buchosa roads are constructed to tarmac level according to the availability of the funds.

President Magufuli commended the ‘job well done’ by the Sengerema and Buchosa MPs, Mr William Ngeleja and Dr Charles Tizeba, respectively, for fighting for the development of their electorate. He singled out for special praise efforts by Mr Ngeleja to ensure his constituency was connected to power among provision of other social services.

The president reiterated his call for the people to work hard, maintaining that there will be no free lunch for the idle. He challenged the regional and district commissioners to make sure that efforts are made to produce food for local consumption and, where possible, export.

Dr Magufuli, who also the National Chairman of CCM, challenged party leaders to work for the people and be a good example of the political and public service. He insisted that no dishonest party leader will be considered for any leadership post under his administration. Revenue collection and tax compliance among all eligible tax payers countrywide were some of the crucial issues.

The president insisted that his government will have zero tolerance against tax defaulters, calling on the citizenry to inculcate a culture of paying taxes and declare appropriate revenue earnings truthfully and honestly to keep the development ball rolling.

President Magufuli is today expected to continue with his tour by inspecting various projects before addressing another public rally at the Furahisha Grounds later in the day.