Summary
The Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port is expected to play a significant role in transforming Tanzania’s fisheries sector by improving post-harvest handling, reducing losses and enhancing the competitiveness of fish products in regional and international markets.
LINDI: CONSTRUCTION works for Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port, a flagship project promised by President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, is ready to begin operations after reaching the final stages of completion.
Lindi Regional Commissioner (RC), Ms. Zainab Telack, yesterday said the project has attained 99.99 percent completion, with only the final commissioning and verification of equipment performance remaining.
She revealed the crucial success during a historic testing exercise of the port’s machinery and infrastructure.
Telack noted that one of the key tests conducted involved the ice-making plant, which has the capacity to produce 100 tonnes of ice per day.
According to her, the facility is designed to freeze and maintain ice at temperatures of up to minus three degrees Celsius, providing critical support for fish preservation and handling.
“This is a clear indication that our port is now ready to commence operations. President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan has made history by constructing Tanzania’s first modern fishing port, which will create numerous economic opportunities for citizens and stakeholders in the fisheries sector,” she said.
The RC explained that the purpose of the visit was to assess the performance and quality of the machinery and infrastructure installed at the facility.
Equipment tested included the ice production plant, fuel storage tanks and other essential systems that will support port operations.
Moreover, she expressed satisfaction with the quality of the work and the efficiency of the installed equipment, commended President Samia for her vision and commitment in approving more than 280 billion/- for the implementation of the strategic project.
Also, she praised the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, under the leadership of Minister Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, for its effective supervision of the project through to its final stages.
She urged fishermen and all stakeholders in the fisheries sector to prepare themselves to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise from the modern port, noting that the facility will enhance fishing activities, fish preservation, processing and trade in fisheries products for both domestic and international markets.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Ms. Agnes Kisaka Meena, said the Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port is among the government’s key projects aimed at boosting fish production, processing and value addition in the country.
The secretary observed that the primary objective of the port is to strengthen the fisheries value chain by facilitating improved storage facilities, modern processing technologies and access to more profitable markets.
For his part, the Director of Infrastructure Development in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Engineer George Kwandu, said the test results demonstrated that all machinery was operating efficiently and meeting the required standards.
He noted that the project is expected to be fully completed following the successful testing and commissioning of the port’s various facilities and infrastructure before officially commencing services to fishermen and other stakeholders in the fisheries industry.
The Kilwa Masoko Fishing Port is expected to play a significant role in transforming Tanzania’s fisheries sector by improving post-harvest handling, reducing losses and enhancing the competitiveness of fish products in regional and international markets.
