Legislators laud President Samia’s reforms in fisheries sector

DODOMA: MEMBERS of Parliament have commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for spearheading bold and transformative reforms in the fisheries sector, saying the initiatives will unlock deep-sea potential, expand economic opportunities and boost youth employment nationwide.

Contributing to the debate last Friday on the President’s address delivered during the inauguration of the 13th Parliament on November 14, Mwibara MP Mr Kangi Lugola (CCM) said the fisheries sector, particularly cage aquaculture, holds enormous potential to generate thousands of jobs in Kagera, Geita, Mwanza, Simiyu and Mara regions.

“If there is any sector capable of creating massive employment for young people, it is fisheries, especially cage fish farming,” he said.

Mr Lugola noted that Kenya, which controls only six per cent of Lake Victoria waters, operates more than 6,000 fish cages, while Tanzania, with 49 per cent of the lake, has fewer than 900.

“We thank President Samia for recognising this gap and initiating major reforms,” he added.

He further said Tanzania’s lakes, including Tanganyika, Nyasa, Rukwa and Victoria, present vast opportunities through fish production and the wider value chain such as feed factories, processing industries, transport services and cage security operations.

Special Seats MP Ms Khadija Hassan Aboud (CCM) said that within the first 100 days of President Samia’s renewed mandate, preparations for deepsea fishing had begun alongside plans to construct a modern fishing port and procure vessels for high-seas operations.

“What was once considered a mere dream is now becoming a reality. The President has shown genuine commitment to advancing productivity and strengthening the country’s economy,” she said.

She added that President Samia has prioritised a conducive investment climate to stimulate industrial growth, expand markets for local raw materials and improve farmers’ earnings.

In her speech, President Samia outlined reforms aimed at expanding benefits from both deep-sea and lake fisheries, noting that completion of the Kilwa Fishing Port is expected to generate about 30,000 jobs.

The President further said her administration will continue issuing loans for fishing boats, gear, cold-storage facilities and drying infrastructure, while investing in fish cages and ponds to empower citizens.

She underscored the need to address the national challenge of affordable and reliable fish feed, which remains a key barrier to aquaculture growth. Ilemela MP Mr Kafiti William (CCM) said the fisheries sector already supports many youths and that strengthening equipment, safety systems and rescue operations will further improve productivity.

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He cited the launch of a regional rescue project in Mwanza as a major step towards enhancing safety for Lake Victoria fishers.

Kisarawe MP Dr Selemani Jafo (CCM) commended the President’s emphasis on the strategic 42-billion US dollar Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project, describing it as a historic investment that will significantly transform the national economy. He said the project will reshape Tanzania’s economic outlook, alongside expanded research into offshore and onshore gas reserves.

Dr Jafo added that the Mchuchuma and Liganga iron projects have also been prioritised, with plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Tanga to Musoma and from Mtwara to Mbamba Bay to connect major mining zones. He also stressed the need to safeguard national peace, noting that development plans cannot thrive without stability.

“I urge all my colleagues and all Tanzanians to jealously guard our country’s peace. Development cannot be achieved if we allow instability,” he said.