Govt vows to heighten fisheries industry
GEITA: THE government has pledged to continue improving the fisheries industry in various areas including construction of fish markets to enable local communities to conduct their businesses more efficiently and boost the economy.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa made the remarks on Monday after laying a foundation stone for the construction of a fish receiving jetty and a modern fish market at Chato Beach during a one-day visit to Chato District in Geita Region.
He emphasised that the government will ensure that it strengthens and involves fishermen and pastoralists in its development plans.
“This project presents an opportunity for anyone starting out or seeking to establish himself in the fishing industry to benefit and increase income. The government’s decision to bring this market here is to ensure that fishermen in this area tap the opportunities. This market is yours, use it to strengthen your economy,” Majaliwa pointed out.
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For his part, Chato Member of Parliament, Dr Medard Kalemani expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to approve funds for the execution of development projects in Chato District including 6.7bn/- for fishing activities.
Earlier, Project Manager Engineer George Kwandu said that, upon completion the project will reduce post-harvest fish losses especially sardines and add value to fishery products and strengthen government revenue.
The project is expected to be completed on August 2, this year.
He added that the market will promote fish business and its products and enhance food and nutrition security.
“This market will create 1,473 jobs for various stakeholders, including fishermen, traders, food vendors, and thereby increase people’s income and strengthening the collection of fishing statistics.” The manager said that the project, which costs 1.75bn/-, includes various infrastructures, such as a modern fish wholesale and retail market, a building with a shrimp drying plant, an ice production plant and cold rooms for fish storage.
Tabling the budget estimates for his docket for 2024/2025 financial year, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Abdallah Ulega said that in the current financial year 2023/2024, the Fisheries Sector has remained one of the important economic sectors in the country contributing to the national income.
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In 2022, the Fisheries sector grew by 1.9 per cent and contributed 1.8 per cent to the national income. In addition, the sector provides employment to over 6.0 million Tanzanians, including direct employment to 198,475 fishermen and 35,986 as aquaculture farmers.
The production made by these employees has enabled families to earn income and improve food and nutrition security, with the sector contributing 30 per cent of animal-based protein.
The Minister said that by April 2024, the fisheries sector had produced a total of 472,579.34 tonnes of fish products. Of these, 429,168.39 tonnes were harvested from natural waters and 43,410.95 tonnes are from aquaculture.
