AfricaPress-Tanzania: MEMBERS of the Public Investment Committee (PIC) have called upon the government and its institutions and departments to cooperate with Kilimanjaro Airports Development Company (Kadco) to engage in the transportation of cargo and perishable goods.
They said after the refurbishment of the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) infrastructure, there was a need for Tanzania to engage in cargo and perishable goods export to Europe and other continents as that paid more than depending on passengers only.
Speaking at a session after touring the gateway to Africa’s tourism heritage, the MPs expressed concern that there were government ministries, institutions and departments that were a hindrance to Kadco in achieving the goal, one of them being Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA).
PIC Vice-Chairperson Zainab Vullu said given the fact that Kadco had performed well in airport management as well as using prudently funds it was given for infrastructural renovation, it was high time the government ensured all stakeholders joined Kadco in its initiatives instead of letting it down.
“Today cargo business is highly paying and particularly perishable goods such as flowers and horticultural products. But we are not utilising the opportunity presented to us.
The committee asks that government facilitates this. All stakeholders such as TRA and the responsible ministries sit down together to ensure the difference is sorted out because we need money and we can only get it by doing business,” said Ms Vullu, who was acting as the chairperson of the committee.
Another member, Mr Godfrey Mgimwa (Kalenga) said nowadays cargo transportation business is more beneficial than passengers. He called upon the government to have a third eye on the matter.
He said a neighbouring country was getting a lot of revenue from such business and that even Tanzanian businesspersons used its gateway for export, leaving KIA empty-handed.
“The government must be keen on this. Our neighbours are making a lot of money from this business and our own people send their cargo there for export to European markets.
Ministries should cooperate to create a conducive environment for this business to start and thrive,” Mr Mgimwa said.
Ileje MP Janet Mbene called on all ministries, institutions and departments to speak one language to ensure cargo business was rekindled at KIA.
She said standing on one’s way only was not a prudent way of doing business and there was no need for skirmishes.
She went a step further saying there was a need for the national career– ATCL-to purchase a cargo plane.
Mr Edwin Sannda (Kondoa Urban) said there was a need for a quick fix to kickstart cargo transportation business in the aviation industry and that government ministries, institutions and departments should cooperate and strategise to uplift the business and the economy at large.
He said exporting flowers to The Netherlands and other European countries was a rewarding business. Kadco Acting Managing Director, Christopher Mukoma said it was on their cards as they would gain a percentage from every tonne exported.
Kadco has cold rooms with the capacity of handling seven tonnes a day. Kadco Corporate Planning and Business Development Manager, Christine Mwakatobe said they had been working on the matter for a while, collecting comments and opinions from stakeholders as well as engaging with TRA and airlines for the revival of the business.
She said they met and spoke successfully with TRA Commissioner General, Dr Edwin Mhede, and there was a process going on.
She said they expected that from June 1, this year, Qatar Airways would start cargo transportation from KIA using its Dreamliner while KLM was set to start as well.
Kadco is contacting other airlines to show them the potential available in the business–avocado, berries and other produce.
