Works, Transport and Communications minister Prof Makame Mbarawa
The move is meant to ensure that the port becomes a crucial icon when it comes to contribution to the national coffers.
“I see this port as an important facility when it comes to
increasing government revenue collection. So, you have to change your
mindsets and working spirits so as to realise the set target. I’m sure
you can realise it within the projected time,” said Works, Transport and
Communications minister Prof Makame Mbarawa.
Prof Mbarawa made the call on Tuesday in Mtwara Region soon after
visiting the country’s third largest port facility. Discovery of gas and
ongoing oil exploration has been making the port an important facility
in recent years.
The minister urged public officials at the port to ensure that all
legal revenues are collected in time “adding that the government won’t
tolerate any official who would impede government’s efforts in boosting
revenue collections.”
“Collect all the required revenues. A staff who will be unable to
do what they are supposed to do will be fired,” the minister stressed.
He said the government is determined to ensure that services in the
country’s ports are improved and the sub-sector contributes handsomely
to the national coffers.
“As government, we are interested in seeing that public officials
perform their duties accordingly. And this will also have a positive
impact on revenue collection,” the minister said, giving Mtwara port a
target of collecting 1trn/- from the current 600bn/- annually.
For his part, Mtwara Port Manager Prosper Kimaro, said among the
plans is to extend berth Number 4 in the port, “though we’re going to
start with berth Number 1, we’re going to use our own funds to build
this facility.”
“The tender for construction of berth Number 1 has been advertised
and the authority is now looking for the best bidder,” said the port
manager.
Mtwara Port is among the country’s three major facilities operating
under the authority set up in the 1950’s largely to transport cash
crops produced in Mtwara and Lindi regions like cashew nuts.
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