Academicians tasked to make critical analysis on poverty level in Kagera

KAGERA: WORKS Minister Innocent Bashungwa has tasked academicians to make a critical analysis on poverty levels in Kagera Region to enable the government to take necessary measures to rescue the situation.

Equally, he has welcomed investors both local and foreign assuring them that they will be supported in keeping tab on the numerous opportunities available.

He also assured them of an enabling environment such as proper infrastructure, adequate land for both large and medium agricultural development, livestock development and reliable electricity.

Mr Bashungwa also appealed to the diaspora who hail from Kagera Region to come back and invest home.

He was speaking during a dinner gala (Ijuka Omuka) held in Bukoba Municipality recently where he featured as chief guest. The event was attended by the private sector players including some of the diaspora.

“It is unfortunate that Kagera Region has been lagging behind economically ranking 25th among the 26 regions in Tanzania Mainland. Data indicate that the regional GDP (2022) stands at 4.3tri/- while the income per capita for citizens stands at 1.5m/- compared to the national average of 2.6m/-. Academicians should make a critical analysis on poverty levels facing Kagera Region to enable the government to take necessary measures to rescue the situation, ” Mr Bashungwa said.

Kagera Regional Commissioner Fatma Mwassa, on the other hand, has directed councils in Muleba, Bukoba DC, Biharamulo, Ngara, Karagwe, Kyerwa, Missenyi and Bukoba MC to survey and allocate plots of land for investment purposes.

She appealed for collective strategies among leaders to address challenges facing people at the grassroots level including poverty. “Collective efforts are needed to ensure that the region moves forward. We (leaders) have the ability and capacity to make positive changes,” she said.

Equally, she urged government officials to ensure that they work as a team in implementing the Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) 2020-2025 election manifesto.

Meanwhile, Mr Christopher Nyamwihura (diaspora-Sweden), in collaboration with other diaspora has promised to construct a five-star hotel in Bukoba Municipality during 2024, a project expected to cost about 5million US dollars upon completion.

He also said the diaspora were finalizing plans to construct a factory for avocado packing in Kagera Region.