Dr Bashiru acts tough on misappropriation of public funds
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Bashiru Kakurwa, has warned that he will not tolerate negligence in the management of public funds and the implementation of government projects, stressing that officials must ensure government investments deliver the intended results in boosting production and promoting economic growth.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the Laboratory for Research on Ocean Acidification and Its Effects on Marine Life, Dr Kakurwa said it was unacceptable for officials to complain about a shortage of funds but then fail to use the money on time and implement planned activities when the funds become available.
He said the government needed to strengthen project supervision, improve procurement procedures and ensure public funds were used efficiently. He added that challenges arising during project implementation must be investigated to identify negligence, skills gaps and appropriate action against officials found to have failed to fulfil their responsibilities.
In a separate development, Dr Kakurwa said the government was proceeding with plans to acquire six fishing vessels to enable Tanzania to participate directly in deep-sea fishing rather than relying on vessels leased from private investors.
ALSO READ: Zungu calls for tougher action on public funds misuse
He said contracts for the construction of three vessels had already been signed, with two intended for Tanzania Mainland and one for Zanzibar, while arrangements to acquire the remaining three vessels were ongoing.
According to the minister, the vessels are expected to increase the country’s capacity to benefit from marine resources, create more employment opportunities and boost national revenue.
On developments in fishing infrastructure, Dr Kakurwa said construction of the Kilwa Fishing Port had been completed in full.
He added that investments in cold-storage systems, fish-processing factories and modern preservation technologies would help reduce fish losses, maintain the quality of fisheries products and increase their market value.
