Samia orders revival of Tunduru cashew factory

TUNDURU, RUVUMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade in collaboration with the office of the Treasury Registrar, to take swift action in reviving the cashew processing factory in Tunduru District, Ruvuma Region.

The factory, which was privatised but has since ceased operations, had previously provided significant employment opportunities to over 600 women and 200 youth in the area.

President Samia issued the directive on Thursday while addressing the people of Tunduru during a public rally held at the CCM grounds in the district.

The revival of the cashew processing factory is expected to boost local employment and contribute to economic growth in Tunduru, where cashew farming is a major livelihood for many households.

Additionally, President Samia instructed the leaders of Ruvuma Region to ensure that the issue of elephants invading farms in Namtumbo and Tunduru Districts is addressed, enabling citizens to carry out their farming activities safely.

She reassured citizens regarding the challenge of elephant invasions, affirming that the government has taken appropriate measures to ensure their safety, including the use of patrol vehicles, drones to chase the elephants away and strengthening ranger stations.

“The government has taken appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our farmers.

We have increased patrol vehicles, using drones to scare away elephants and have reinforced ranger outposts,” President Samia said.

These measures are intended to protect farmers’ livelihoods by reducing crop destruction and enabling them to work without fear of wildlife invasions.

In another development, President Samia inaugurated the Tunduru District mineral market, which was built through a partnership between mineral traders and the Tunduru District Council.

ALSO READ: New zeal for minerals sector; Samia demands action to misinformation

She said that the government recognises the contribution of small-scale miners and continues to implement various plans to support them, including the purchase of drilling rigs for smallscale miners.

Earlier in the day, on her way to Tunduru, President Samia addressed citizens in various locations, including Lilota, Rwinga and Mchomoro wards in Namtumbo District, as well as Matemanga Division in Tunduru District, where she listened to their concerns and promised continued government support for development initiatives.

Tunduru North MP Hassan Zidadu Kungu said in the area they had a cashew processing factory that provided short-term employment to more than 600 women and over 200 youth.

“That factory has been non-operational for a long time, no longer fulfilling its duties and has now become a storage facility.

We kindly request, if it pleases you (President Samia), for the factory to be revived so that those who were previously employed can regain their jobs,” he said.

On other Tunduru residents’ concerns, he highlighted issues such as wild animals damaging crops, conflicts between farmers and herders and the availability of pesticides.