Africa-Press – Tanzania. DODOMA: PLANS are underway by the government to open a customs office at Nyamisati Port in Kibiti District, Coast Region, as part of the efforts to smoothen operations of the marine terminal, including easing business operations, the Parliament has been told.
The latest development was revealed in National Assembly by Deputy Minister for Finance, Hamad Hassan Chande, when responding to the question by Kibiti legislator (CCM) Twaha Mpembene.
In his basic question, the legislator sought a response from the government on its strategies on introducing customs services at the marine gateway.
In his response, the deputy minister said preparations for the introduction of the customs services are going on, explaining that in November last year; the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) conducted an assessment to satisfy itself on the scope of activities carried out at the port.
“The findings of the assessment have confirmed the pressing need for Nyamisati Port to have customs services. Therefore, I would like to inform the general public that the government expects to open the office next financial year,” the deputy minister told the august House.
Nyamisati Port, which is located in Kibiti, Coast Region, and Lindi and Kilwa ports in Lindi Region have proved to be potential, playing an integral role in handling cargo destined for the Comoros, Zanzibar, Mafia and some Islets in the Indian Ocean.
Due to their economic significance, the government through the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) injected billions of shillings to upgrade them, a decision that has now attracted more traders to use the ports in transporting commodities to various destinations in the Indian Ocean.
Apart from serving Mafia, Zanzibar and the Comoros, the three terminals also serve some Islets located in the Indian Ocean such as Simbaulanga, Sarali, Bwejuu, Kiasi, Mchinga, Songosongo and Mfisini.
However, it is believed that business potential that has been brought about by the three upgraded terminals is yet to be fully exploited partly due to failure by traders and even local government authorities to come up with plans to grab the opportunities.
As for Nyamisati Port, manufacturers of various commodities in Dar es Salaam are urged to consider building godowns where traders from Mafia Island can collect commodities before ferrying them to the Island, as it has plenty of space.
Currently, traders from Mafia are forced to travel to Dar es Salaam to collect commodities, something that increases cost of doing business and consumer prices for Mafia residents.
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