Summary
* The project which entails the agriculture, livestock, water, and clean energy sectors and is being implemented across 11 countries, with Tanzania running projects in Tabora and Katavi regions.
* The centre will be responsible for collecting, storing, and distributing high-quality seeds of native Miombo woodland tree species.
TABORA: THE political committee of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Tabora region has expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality in the construction work for the of Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS)’s seed centre in Kaliua district.
The 585m/- worth project under the financia support from Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) aims to reduce land degradation and biodiversity loss.
Speaking during the committee’s inspection visit over the weekend, the regional project coordinator, Conservation Officer Linda Shio said that the centre is being built under the Integrated Forest Management in the Miombo Woodlands of the Drylands (DSL-IP).
He informed, the project which entails the agriculture, livestock, water, and clean energy sectors and is being implemented across 11 countries, with Tanzania running projects in Tabora and Katavi regions.
In Kaliua district, according to him, the project also includes the construction of beekeeping sheds and a honey processing centre, steps intended to add value to forest products and improve community livelihoods.
For his part, the Acting Kaliua District Forest Officer, SCO Sadock Gobanya, stated that the centre will be responsible for collecting, storing, and distributing high-quality seeds of native Miombo woodland tree species.
Gobanya noted that the facility will also serve as a hub for research and education on the conservation of indigenous trees, while creating employment through seed collection and sales.
“Its presence will support the restoration of Miombo woodlands affected by human activities,” he added.
The Construction Supervisor, Eng. Haji Shambani Matikulu, reported that erection of the center’s key buildings has reached 98 percent.
These include a seed reception and processing building, an administration block with a modern laboratory, and seed storage rooms equipped with advanced technology.
“The main remaining challenge is a delay in connecting electricity from TANESCO, which is hindering the testing of machinery and the installation of a CCTV security system,” he briefed the committee.
Reacting after the visit, Tabora Regional CCM Chairman, Said Nkumba expressed that the committee is pleased with the construction quality and patriotic use of funds.
He added that the modern laboratory will aid research into obtaining superior native tree species and commended the contractor and district leadership for their cooperation in overseeing the development project.
“These efforts will support the collection and conservation of indigenous tree seeds, thereby enabling the restoration of Miombo woodlands affected by human activities,” he observed.
Also, members of the committee insisted over the need to ensure the centre benefits Kaliua residents through job creation and education on the collection and conservation of Miombo tree seeds.
The centre is expected to facilitate access to quality indigenous tree seeds for the western zone regions and support government efforts to restore natural vegetation.
The committee’s inspection visit ywas led by the Tabora Regional CCM Chairman, Said Nkumba (MNEC), accompanied by CCM National Executive Council member, Abdan Nassoro, Tabora Regional CCM Secretary Wilson Tambaku (MNEC), along with other party and government leaders.
Also in presence were Ulyankulu Constituency Member of Parliament, Masanja Lufungija, Kaliua District Commissioner Dr. Gerald Mongella, and other district officials.
The timely project is implemented by the Dar es Salaam- based SADITECK Investment Limited.
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