TSN transformation in top gear

Ally Mayala

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has pledged to fast-track construction of the

multibillion-shilling printing plant of the Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN) to bolster and diversify its production. Information, Communication, and Information Technology Minister, Mr Nape Nnauye, assured the country’s leading print media after inspecting the progress of the pivotal project that the government is committed to ensuring swift implementation.

He said the under construction state-of-the-art printing industry intends to diversify TSN’s portfolio from news business to venturing into large-scale commercial printing. Mr Nnauye noted that the project, which began on June 7th last year, was somewhat slowed by some setbacks.

He guaranteed timely disbursement of funds, insisting that the government was committed to ensuring the project is completed by June this year.

“I visited the project today to figure out how it can be completed on time. I am optimistic that the project will be finished before June during this Fiscal Year,” the minister said.

Minister Nnauye said going forward, the government will ensure that the services and construction contractors work concurrently for timely and effective completion of the envisioned ultra-modern plant. He said the modern printing plant under construction will ignite TSN’s production capacity to great heights.

Minister Nnauye delivered President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s greetings to TSN management and staff, commending the stateowned company for an outstanding performance.

“TSN is coping with changing global technological advancement and effectively utilising its available resources in implementing its mandate,” Mr Nape praised.

TSN’s Managing Director, Ms Tuma Abdallah, appreciated the government for allocating funds for the project’s implementation, hinting that the modern facility will transform TSN into printing services hub in Eastern and Southern Africa, especially for East African Community (EAC) and Southern Development Community’s (SADC) member states.

She said this transformation will enable TSN to offer unmatched quality printing and news services in the country and beyond, as well as boost the company’s revenues. Ms Abdallah said TSN has already been conducting market research on how to reach its customers within and beyond the country’s borders.

She commended Minister Nnauye for visiting the project, saying his trip signalled deliberate commitment to speeding its implementation.