Samia outlines measure to uplift the sector
MWANZA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has outlined the government’s strategic roadmap to boost the ...
fisheries sector and fully unleash its potential.A key component of this initiative is the acquisition of vessels for deep-sea fishing, expressing the belief that the sector has yet to reach its maximum capacity; President Samia also revealed government’s plans to introduce cage fish farming across all major lakes.
This comprehensive approach underscores the administration’s commitment to maximising the benefits of Tanzania’s fisheries sector.
Dr Samia emphasised these initiatives during the launch and distribution of fish cages and modern fishing boats to fishermen in the Lake Zone regions.
She outlined the government’s comprehensive plan to promote the fishing sector, aiming to increase its contribution to the national income. This includes the construction of fishing ports in Kilwa Masoko and Bagamoyo, the development of modern fish markets, and the identification of suitable areas for cage fishing across the country.
Addressing the public in the Mwanza Region at the Nyamagana Stadium, President Samia highlighted the Building Better Tomorrow (BBT Life) programme, which provided special training to 200 young people in the 2022/2023 fiscal year, some of them are the beneficiaries of modern fishing boats and cages.
In the coming year, 300 more individuals have been selected for similar training, fostering the development of businesses and companies utilising fishing resources.
President Samia emphasised the government’s commitment to formalising jobs in the fishing sector, particularly for young people and women involved in informal employment.
She urged the beneficiaries to take care of the provided equipment and boats, emphasising the importance of returning interest-free loans to benefit other aspiring individuals.
Furthermore, President Samia directed the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to closely monitor the progress of those who received fishing equipment, providing professional advice and allocating budgets for additional beneficiaries.
She stressed the necessity of conducting fishing activities in compliance with laws, procedures, and regulations to ensure the sustainability of fishing resources.
In response to a request for establishing a fishing agency, President Samia encouraged for a detailed presentation to assess its impact on the devolution of power to local governments.
“As far as I am aware, all fishing officers report to the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), so if you’re putting that in place, consider your actions carefully to ensure that they don’t interfere with the transfer of power to local governments. Come and make the presentation, and then let’s work together to make a decision,” she said.
Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega, revealed that the sector provides jobs for over four (4) million Tanzanians, with plans to distribute 500 boats in the fiscal year 2024/2025.
The Minister highlighted the allocation of funds for various projects in the fishing sector, focusing on infrastructure, markets, and model farms. The distributed boats, ranging from 5 to 14 meters in length, come equipped with fishing gear, GPS, and life jackets, contributing to the sector’s growth.
“Today you handed over 55 boats worth 2.6bn/- where the direct beneficiaries are 989 from Mwanza, Mara, Geita, Kagera and Simiyu, these are among the 160 boats that you started handing over to the Coast region in Kilwa District,” said minister Ulega
Minister Ulega added that the fish cages handed over are 222, which will benefit more than 1,213 young people and women.
He said as Tanzania strives to revitalise its fisheries sector, these initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth, job creation, and sustainable management of aquatic resources.
On his part, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla addressed the decline in fish population in Lake Victoria, attributing it to illegal fishing practices. The region has taken decisive measures, setting 11 strategies to control illegal fishing and promote sustainable practices.
“As region found a study conducted between 2018 and 2022 showed that fish in Lake Victoria have decreased by 30 per cent,” he said.
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