AfricaPress-Tanzania: THE government has launched a 2.07bn/- ($900,000) programme to combat crime in the Indian Ocean and lakes.
The programme, jointly funded by Japan and UNDP, was launched at the weekend
Japan has injected over 1.1bn/- ($500,000) into the project and UNDP covers the remaining amount.
Speaking during the launch, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy and Coordination) Dorothy Mwaluko wanted institutions responsible for project implementation to ensure there is transparency, efficiency and diligence to meet the target.
“The executive committee which oversees the project has issued the terms of references, including a work plan, financial aspects and procurement details. All guidelines must be guided by professionalism during implementation,” she insisted.
She said the government and other stakeholders expected changes by December this year.
She said with a modern security system, they expected to increase productivity.
“We would like to see the fisheries sector changing and improving. We need more storage facilities and use of modern fishing gear,” she said.
According to Ms Mwaluko, the project is designed for implementation in the Indian Ocean from Tanga to Mtwara.
She said the government’s intention was to control illegal fishing and other related crimes.
She asked members of the public, who resided along project areas to ensure they supported the government by protecting resources in their areas.
For his part, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr Rashid Tamatamah, said the project would help the government end illegal fishing in the deep sea.
He said the deep sea fishing authority would improve its daily operations by empowering those who engaged in fishing by using sustainable fishing plans and by using vessels to protect marine resources.
UNDP Representative Christine Musisi said the government’s focus on blue economy strategy was one of the indicators for the government’s intention to improve people’s welfare.
Project Coordinator Hassan Mrisho Kheri said they would deal with illegal fishing, drug trafficking and human trafficking which had been reported to be going on in deep sea.
