Africa-Press – Tanzania. AUTHORITIES in Muleba District, Kagera Region have impounded a consignment of Nile Perch fish that was being smuggled.
Muleba District Commissioner (DC), Toba Nguvila, explained that the consignment was impounded at Luhanga fish landing site in Kikukwe Ward.
“Initial investigations revealed that the fish consignment was being transported on Lake Victoria to Karagwe District. Several suspects are helping police in investigations and they will be arraigned in court when investigations are completed,” he said.
He explained that surveillance teams were on the alert to ensure that the government does not lose any revenue due to smuggling.
The incident comes barely five days after the Deputy Minister for Works and Transport, Mwita Waitara, toured Kagera region, where he announced that the government is in the process to legalise a total of 693 unofficial ports in the country in a bid to improve marine transport, curb narcotic drugs and unlicensed firearms.
He explained that the strategy is also meant to facilitate movement of goods and services besides increasing revenue collections.
According to Mr Nguvila a total of 348 of the 693 unofficial ports, almost 50 per cent, are on Lake Victoria, which is surrounded by Kagera, Mwanza, Simiyu, Geita and Mara regions.
He revealed that at least 24 unofficial ports will be formalised during this financial year. He directed the Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), to revisit all levies charged at various ports, to enable the government to come up with realistic tariffs.
The East African Community has designated the lake basin as an ‘economic growth zone’, with the potential to develop into a major economic region.
