Daniel Chongolo takes the oath of office to become Songwe Regional Commissioner at the Dar es Salaam State House on March 13, 2024. PHOTO | STATE HOUSE
What you need to know:
Songwe. In a bid to address the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies in the Songwe Region, the newly appointed Regional Commissioner, Daniel Chongolo, has pledged to tackle the pressing issue as he officially assumes his duties.
During the handover ceremony at the regional office, outgoing Regional Commissioner Dr Francis highlighted the dire situation, stressing that Songwe leads the nation in teenage pregnancies, a trend that is contrary to the law and detrimental to the region's development.
He underscored the consequences, including school dropouts and early marriages among adolescents, urging urgent action to reverse the trend.
Dr Francis also pointed out the complicity of some parents and guardians in exacerbating the problem, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address the root causes.
According to statistics, Songwe Region records the highest teenage pregnancy rate at 45 percent, followed by Ruvuma (37 percent), Katavi (34 percent), Mara (31 percent), and Rukwa (30 percent).
In his inaugural address, Commissioner Chongolo expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for the appointment, affirming his commitment to addressing the region's challenges. He acknowledged the warm reception from the local leaders and residents, stating, "I have come to Songwe to work."
Highlighting the multifaceted challenges facing the region, Chongolo pledged to prioritize the issue of teenage pregnancies alongside other pressing matters such as poor road infrastructure.
Notably, he emphasized the significance of vital economic routes like the Mlowo-Kamsamba Road and the Mbalizi-Mkwajuni - Patamela Road, crucial for agricultural and mining activities.
Chongolo's appointment marks the sixth change in leadership since the establishment of the region, with a history dating back to 2016. He succeeds a line of predecessors including Chiku Galawa, Brigadier General Nicodemasi Mwangela, Omari Mgumba, Waziri Kindamba, and Dr Francis Michael.
With a firm commitment to fostering development and progress, Mr Chongolo urged officials under his leadership to join hands in realizing the aspirations of the people of Songwe Region.
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