Mufindi tightens timber revenue controls
MUFINDI: MUFINDI District Council has tightened controls on timber revenue by ordering that all forest valuations be carried out by qualified forestry experts before any sales are approved, in a move aimed at sealing revenue leakages.
Executive Director, Mashaka Mfaume announced the measure during a management team’s working visit to Makungu Ward, where officials met ward and village leaders to review the implementation of revenue collection directives.
He said the council had identified challenges in collecting revenue and controlling leakages in the forestry sector, prompting the introduction of stricter valuation procedures.
“From now on, forest valuation will be carried out by a qualified council forestry expert before any timber sales contract is processed,” Mr Mfaume said.
He directed executive officers to report timber intended for sale to the relevant authorities so valuation could be completed before contracts were issued.
“Every executive officer has a responsibility to ensure valuation is completed before filling in timber sale contracts,” he said.
During the visit, the management team also educated residents on the payment of levies related to forest products, saying stronger compliance would help safeguard the council’s revenue base.
Mr Mfaume said protecting forestry revenue was part of broader efforts to strengthen the council’s finances and accelerate development projects.
He said the district was also stepping up efforts to attract investors by showcasing opportunities in forestry, tourism, agriculture, mining, infrastructure, trade, energy and land development.
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“Mufindi has enormous investment potential, and we want these opportunities to translate into development for the district and the nation,” he said.
According to Mr Mfaume, the district’s tourism attractions include the Moving Island, waterfalls, Ngwazi Dam, Sao Hill forests, Waga Game Reserve and tea estates.
The investment drive is being coordinated through preparations for district trade exhibitions involving the council, the trade fair committee and private sector partners.
City Land Solution Executive Director Gerald Ndokole said the company was impressed by Mufindi’s investment environment and pledged to work with the council to attract investors.
“We are ready to partner with the council in bringing investors who will unlock Mufindi’s potential and make it better known internationally,” Mr Ndokole said.
