RUKWA: THE Rukwa Region is poised to become a key hub for agricultural development with the establishment of a state-of-the-art agro-processing park.
The ambitious 7.33bn/- project aims to leverage the region’s rich agricultural resources, transforming raw produce into value-added products that will boost local economies, create jobs and improve food security.
The park, to be built at Kanondo in Sumbawanga municipality, will focus on innovative processing technologies, enhancing the region’s agricultural value chain and offering a competitive edge in both domestic and international markets.
World Bank’s Acting Projects Coordinator Eng Emmanuel Mayanga said recently that the agro-processing park is part of the Brenton Wood Institution and funded by Tanzania Cities Transforming Infrastructure and Competitiveness (TACTIC) project.
“The overall objective of the project is to enhance the growth management of town councils and cities, enabling them to provide quality services to citizens,” Eng Mayanga, who works for Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA), told Daily News.
The signing ceremony for the project expects to take 12 months from today, was between TARURA and the project contractor. It involves the construction of market buildings with the capacity to accommodate 420 business people and 30 food vendors.
Also, the project will involve the construction of four modern cereals’ storage facilities, administration block and parking area with capacity to accommodate both light and heavy-duty trucks.
The market facility will have stand by generators, rain water harvesting and underground water tanks and solar lamps.
The Deputy Minister of the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, Dr Festo Dugange, has directed the contractor to complete the projects within the agreed timeframe, stressing that there will be no extensions.
“I want to assure you, contractor, that there will be no further extension of time once the agreed deadline expires,” he said.
The minister underlined the importance of delivering value for money and maintaining high quality standards and that the project is intended to benefit the citizens and any delays would hinder this goal.
“Sumbawanga Municipality was selected as the primary recipient of funding for the city’s improvements. You should take pride in this,” Dr Dugange said.
Sumbawanga municipality was her first choice to provide the funds for cities’ improvements. You should therefore be proud of this,” said Dr Dugange
The modern agro-processing park is projected to boost the Sumbawanga Municipal Council revenue collect domestic by 1.4 bn/- per year.
The Sumbawanga Municipal Executive Director, Ms Pendo Mangali, challenged citizens to protect the newly constructed infrastructure in order to minimise renovation costs, which place a burden on the government.
“I am appealing to the citizens to cooperate with the contractors and ensure the safety of construction materials, so that the project can be completed within the agreed timeframe,” she said.
A cross-section of citizens interviewed separately by this paper expressed optimism about the project, stating that it will improve transportation infrastructure and help mitigate various natural disasters, including flooding.
The agro-processing park is part of the large 410 million US dollars(1.1tri/-) World Bank projects for improvement of infrastructures in 45 towns countrywide and capacity building for councils to strengthen urban development management and revenue collection.
The 45 beneficiary towns are five city councils are Mwanza, Tanga, Mbeya, Arusha and Dar es Salaam and 16 municipal councils and 24 town councils.
The six-year TACTIC project is implemented in three phases, from the 2022/23 where the first phase kicked off last November and will be completed next February.
The second phase, activities will include the construction of markets for goods and various crops, local and upcountry bus stations, open resting gardens, as well as ferry services.
Additionally, Eng Mayanga said currently Sumbawanga municipal is currently undertaking the construction of the 13.03 kilometres at asphalt level and water drainage at the cost of more than 20.3 bn/- which has reached 61.6 per cent of completion.
TACTIC is the project implemented by the government through President’s Office – Regional Administration s and Local Governments (PO- RLG) funded by the World Bank.
Sumbawanga municipal council project is also implemented at Arusha City Council, Dodoma City Council, Geita Town Council, Ilemela Municipal Council (MC), Kahama MC, Kigoma Ujiji MC, Mbeya City Council, Morogoro MC, Mwanza City Council, Songea MC, Sumbawanga MC and Tabora MC.
The TACTIC is a government initiative aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and competitiveness of urban areas in the country.
The programme primarily focuses on improving urban planning, developing critical infrastructure and boosting economic growth within cities. Its primary goals include improving the quality of urban infrastructure, fostering economic development, creating jobs and enhancing the overall livability of cities.
TACTIC is part of the government’s broader efforts to address urbanisation challenges, enhance service delivery, and make cities more attractive for investment and business activities. By improving urban infrastructure, such as transport, water supply, sanitation and housing, TACTIC seeks to support the country’s long-term development goals, contribute to economic diversification and improve the quality of life for city residents.
The program involves collaboration between local governments, private sector stakeholders and development partners to mobilise resources and expertise for urban transformation.
The agro-processing park in Rukwa promises to drive economic growth, improve agricultural practices and enhance regional development. With modern infrastructure and technology, it will create jobs, boost local economies, and serve as a model for future urban transformation projects across Tanzania, contributing to the country’s long-term development goals.
