By Deus Ngowi
TANZANIA is set to
attain the upper-income economy status from the lower-middle it attained
recently if
procurement of machines to add value to minerals and
gemstones is speeded up.
Revenue collection
in the sector soared to a record 470bn/- from an annual average of
196bn/- in the past four years after the government put in place plans
to boost the mining sector by establishing more than 25 mining sales
centres, the construction of a 24.5 perimeter wall around Mirerani
Hills, the only place in the world that produces Tanzanite.
Thus, the mining
sector that has been transformed by reforms, thanks to the fifth phase
government of President John Magufuli, has come out as one of the
leading sectors in government revenue.
Tanzania Mineral
Dealers' Association (Tamida) said in Arusha that businesspersons should
now focus on buying the machines to add value to minerals, jewellery
and gemstones in the lucrative sector.
Tamida Chairman
Sammy Mollel hailed President Magufuli for a job well-done, pledges
implemented for more than 100 per cent, thus lifting the nation to a
lower middle-income economy status.
Mr Mollel pledged
to collaborate with the government to improve the economy in the next
five years' stint scheduled for the end of the year after the general
election, saying exports of value-added goods would be a positive move
for individuals as businesspersons, the country and all Tanzanians in
general.
"We are going to
advise the businesspersons and our members to buy more machines so that
we can add value to the minerals, gemstones and jewellery so that they
fetch higher prices.
We believe that in
so doing we will create more employment opportunities, more incomes to
people and revenue to the government," said Mr Mollel.
The chairman noted
that the strides that had been made through the implementation of
strategic projects such as improvement of the works sector and
infrastructure such as roads, bridges, flyovers, Standard Gauge Railway
(SGR) and Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Station that will produce
2,115MW will see Tanzania leap forward with pride, leaving many other
countries behind.
He said Tamida was
happy and congratulated President Magufuli on the revival of the Air
Tanzania Company (ATC) - the flag bearer and on the procurement of
multiple planes and the construction of the perimeter wall on Mirerani
Hills.
"He (President
Magufuli) has really done a lot and it is even difficult to mention all.
He has been an exemplary leader not only here in the country, but also
in Africa and the world over.
"So many development projects have been initiated under him and some have been completed while others are still ongoing.
He has fought
coronavirus in his own style and now life has returned to normal and in
spite of the pandemic he has enabled the country to attain the
middle-income economy status five years before the target. We hail him
for that," said Mr Mollel.
He mentioned other
feats as increased efficiency in government offices instead of doing
business as usual, a crackdown on corruption as the national watchdog
worked hard to prevent and combat the vice.
"Loopholes to
misuse public funds have been sealed to a great extent, while those
still do it are dealt with in accordance with the law." Tamida will hold
its election on July 27, this year.
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