Govt pushes PPPs to drive growth in Tanga

TANGA: THE government has urged private sector players in Tanga Region to capitalise on emerging investment opportunities within local government authorities and public institutions in order to accelerate economic growth through Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs).

The call was made by the Head of the Valuation Unit at the National PPP Centre, Dr Suleiman Kiula, following the completion of a capacity building training programme for government officials from Tanga’s local government authorities and members of the business community.

Representing the Director General of the Centre, Dr Kiula said the training was designed to strengthen stakeholders’ understanding of the PPP framework and enhance collaboration between the public and private sectors in implementing development projects at the local level.

He noted that since the establishment of the National PPP Centre and the rollout of similar training programmes for officials from 184 local government authorities nationwide, a total of 786 projects have been identified and submitted to the Centre for evaluation.

Of these, 410 projects have successfully passed the assessment process and received approval for further development under the PPP model.

“Out of the approved projects, 16 are located in Tanga Region, highlighting the region’s growing potential for private sector investment through public–private collaboration,” Dr Kiula said.

He commended the PPP policy, saying it has significantly increased the number of local PPP experts from only three prior to the introduction of specialised training programmes supported by the World Bank in major Tanzanian universities.

“We have now reached a stage where the government no longer require foreign experts to consult on the establishment of PPP projects,” he said.

He added: “Extending similar training to local government officers has contributed to the high number of PPP projects submitted by LGAs across the country.”

Dr Kiula also encouraged entrepreneurs and businesspeople to foster a culture of cooperation by forming partnerships among themselves before seeking government involvement.

Earlier, the Centre’s Coordinator for PPPs in Local Government Authorities, Dakao Mselemi, outlined the 16 approved PPP projects in Tanga Region.

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These include the proposed construction of the Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan Business Centre at Kange and a modern abattoir in the same area in Tanga City.

Other approved projects in Tanga City include the construction of a tourist hotel at Share and a dry port at Pongwe.

In Mkinga District, the proposed projects comprise a crop market at Horohoro and a vehicle parking facility in the same area.

Additional initiatives include the Korogwe Commercial Centre under Korogwe Town Council, the Mambo Bus Station in Korogwe District Council, a building stone quarry for entrepreneurs in Handeni Town Council, as well as a lorry parking facility and a cassava processing mill at Mkata in Handeni District Council.

In Muheza District, authorities have proposed the construction of a main bus stand, while Pangani District has lined up several projects, including a business centre, a main bus stand, a beach hotel and a modern fish market.

Lushoto District has also proposed the development of a business centre.

Meanwhile, a plant manager at Tanga-based industry TPPL, Mr Waljesh Samkaria, said such forums are vital in raising awareness of available investment opportunities and strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“This kind of collaboration is highly appropriate and should be sustained,” he said.