TANGA: VICE-PRESIDENT, Dr Philip Mpango has directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade in collaboration with Tanga regional leadership find a more reliable market for fruits produced in the region.
Speaking during his working tour of Tanga Region, on Wednesday, Dr Mpango directed Tanga regional leadership to conduct an assessment to identify the quantity of fruits produced in the area. Tanga is one of the leading regions in fruits production in the country, which include mangoes, oranges and pineapples.
The VP had an opportunity to witness firsthand challenges facing fruit farmers in the region. He noted that the region produces large quantity of fruits, but farmers are often faced with difficulties in accessing markets and obtaining fair prices for their produce.
Over 90 per cent of the bulk of the 390,000 tonnes of citrus fruits is being produced in Tanga. The region is also estimated to have 900,000 orange trees. The VP also ordered the Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade to meet with owners of large fruit processing factories (Bakhresa and Jambo Product) so that they can use fruits produced in Handeni District and Tanga in general in their products.
Speaking in Kabuku area in the region, Dr Mpango urged citizens to direct more efforts on environmental conservation in order to overcome the effects of climate change. He said that the effects of environmental damage have led to an increase in excessive temperature and unpredictable rains which has led to the destruction of infrastructure and the outbreak of diseases.
“It is important for Tanzanians to realise that environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility by stopping cutting down trees and burning forests. You have to plant trees and protect the environment,” Dr Mpango said.
Dr Mpango also urged citizens to ensure that they focus on educating children for the country to have a better and more knowledgeable generation. He also urged Kabuku residents to consider nutrition as a basis for good physical and mental health.
For his part, Minister for Water, Jumaa Aweso said that the Ministry has received 25bn/- for the construction of a major project to provide water in Segera and Kabuku areas in Tanga Region which is expected to address water woes facing the areas.
Mr Aweso said that the project is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2025 where the contractor had already commenced the work.
Minister Aweso called on the contractor to ensure that he completes the work on time as well as cooperating with citizens and local leaders throughout the execution of the project.
He also pledged that the Ministry of Water will ensure that project is completed on time as planned. Earlier, Deputy Minister of State in the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PORALG), Mr Deogratius Ndejembi said that Tanzania Rural and Urban Roads Agency (TARURA) has already received 30bn/- which is expected to be spent in addressing various road challenges across the country.
He added that the government has already allocated funds for the construction of Sindeni – Kwedikazo road with 37.7 kilometres on asphalt level in Handeni District, Tanga region.
He said that TARURA will start the process immediately to ensure that the roads damaged by the rains are repaired so that they can be passed on well.