Steven Mashishanga, a respected figure in Tanzanian politics, is set to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 27, 2024. Mashishanga, who served as a regional commissioner for Tabora, Mwanza, and Morogoro, is remembered for his efforts in addressing land conflicts and improving education during his tenure.
Born on July 27, 1934, in Shinyanga, Mashishanga has made significant contributions to Tanzanian public service, particularly during the presidency of Benjamin Mkapa. His career in public service saw him take on various roles, most notably as the Regional Commissioner of Morogoro, a position in which he achieved considerable recognition.
During his time in Morogoro from 2003 to 2006, Mashishanga faced significant challenges, particularly land disputes between farmers and herders. Morogoro, known for its agricultural richness, has also been plagued by frequent land conflicts. Mashishanga was appointed to address these issues and improve local education, which was struggling at the time.
In his interview with Mwananchi, Mashishanga shared his experiences dealing with these conflicts. He explained that he was sent to Morogoro by President Mkapa with the primary objectives of resolving farmer-herder disputes and enhancing educational standards. He frequently visited communities, often unannounced, to directly engage with residents and understand their problems.
Mashishanga noted that during his tenure, he made regular surprise visits to districts and worked closely with legal experts to resolve many disputes. This hands-on approach helped mitigate the conflicts, ensuring that no one suffered severe consequences due to these disputes.
Despite his efforts, Mashishanga acknowledges that the government’s policy of allowing herders to search for pastures contributed to ongoing conflicts in the region. However, he commends current efforts by the government to address these issues, including building water reservoirs to prevent disputes between farmers and herders.
He emphasized that modernizing agriculture is crucial for Tanzania’s economic development. Morogoro, known for its fertile land, could significantly benefit from advanced farming techniques. Mashishanga advocates for the construction of more water reservoirs and improved infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity.
In retirement, Mashishanga continues to receive respect and admiration. He appreciated the recognition he has received, attributing his good health and longevity to the support from his family and his commitment to a healthy lifestyle. He refrains from alcohol, which he stopped consuming after his appointment as Regional Commissioner.
Mashishanga’s choice to reside in Morogoro was influenced by the region’s fertile land and favorable agricultural conditions. He believes that Morogoro’s resources offer great potential for irrigation and crop production, making it an ideal place for him to settle and contribute to agriculture.
Looking at the current political landscape, Mashishanga praises President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership and development efforts. He urges Tanzanians to support her administration, highlighting recent achievements like the launch of the modern Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Dar es Salaam to Morogoro. Mashishanga called for unity and vigilance against divisive elements that seek to exploit the country’s resources.
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