The Zanzibar ministry of blue economy and fisheries has signed an agreement of cooperation with the ministry of oceans and fisheries of the Republic of Korea for the feasibility study to construct a fishing port and development of fishery infrastructure in Zanzibar.
During the signing ceremony held at the Zanzibar Utilities Regulatory Authority (ZURA), the Zanzibar blue economy and fisheries minister Shaaban Ali Othman said it is a timely project that aim at boosting the country’s economy through fishing as well as increase the income of individual citizens.
“We are happy to begin the implementation of this big project by having a feasibility study. We hope a modern fishing port will attract international ships to Zanzibar,” Mr Othman said.
He added that the port is expected to create jobs for the young people in the isles. He said the survey will involve the areas of Mangapwani and Mkokotoni on the side of Unguja and Micheweni and Shumba Viamboni on the side of Pemba with the aim of finding one suitable place on each main Island for the project.
“We thank the government of the Republic of Korea for the good relations and funding the research,” said the minister.
He added that the construction of fishing ports will also support small-scale and medium fishermen to benefit from their work.
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He informed the gathering that the number of fishermen has been growing along with increasing fishing activities, but many still cannot fish in the deep sea, “The government is talking to various stakeholders to train and provide facilities so that Zanzibar fishers can fish in the deep-sea areas,” he noted.
Mr Othman said that the feasibility study will be conducted for six months, after which the construction will begin in a short time after evaluation.
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The Minister also revealed that plans are underway to construct two separate fish processing factories, one in Unguja and the other in Pemba.
Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry Captain Hamad Bakari said the construction of fishing ports in Zanzibar is needed as Zanzibar is an island country and is surrounded by the sea, “The fishing ports will open Zanzibar economically and attract fishing vessels and investors.”
“He explained that there are many large fishing vessels that would like to come to Zanzibar but the biggest challenge is that there is no large fishing port,” said the PS.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation from Korea, Hee Kyung Kim said they are in Zanzibar to conduct a feasibility study because of the good relations and commitment shown between the two sides.
“We promise to work hard and professionally to ensure the port is well constructed and completed on time,” he said.
Source: allafrica.com
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Tanzania: Samia Hands Over NBC’s 354m/ – Crop Insurance Compensation to Farmers Affected By Hailstorms
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has handed over a cheque of 354m/- from the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) as compensation to tobacco farmers, who were affected by hailstorms during the previous farming season in various regions across the country.
Handing over the cheque in Dodoma, the compensation is part of the crop insurance service provided by NBC in collaboration with the National Insurance Corporation (NIC).
Furthermore, President Samia has also handed over health insurance coverage to members of the Lindi Mwambao Cooperative Union based in Lindi Region, through the Farmers’ Health Insurance service provided by the bank in partnership with Assurance Insurance Company.
While visiting the bank’s pavilion at the Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition and being received and briefed by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr. Theobald Sabi, she said: “This crop insurance is one of the crucial solutions in ensuring farmers have a reliable income, without fear of challenges such as natural disasters, including hailstorms.
“I call upon all farmers in the country to make the best use of this important opportunity by accessing these kinds of insurance services. I also highly commend NBC and all the stakeholders participating in this programme.”
Elaborating further on the crop insurance service, the Minister of Agriculture, Hussein Bashe, stated that it will help to recover the loss farmers incurred, especially in various calamities beyond their control.
Citing them as floods, fires, and hailstorms, which have significantly affected the well-being of farmers and caused some to be reluctant to invest in the crucial sector, Mr Bashe added: “However, our President, this step by NBC is just the beginning, as this is the second year since they started offering this service, and the results are already visible.
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“As the government, we promise to continue supporting the wider implementation of this service, with the goal of ensuring that this crop insurance service reaches more farmers.”
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On his part, Mr Sabi said that the farmers who benefited from the compensations are from 23 primary cooperative unions in the regions of Shinyanga, Geita, Tabora, Mbeya, Katavi, and Kigoma.
He added: “In addition to these insurance services, as a bank, through this exhibition, we have continued with our programme of providing financial education and various banking opportunities to farmers, alongside offering them various loans, including loans for agricultural equipment, particularly tractors, to eligible farmers.:
At the NBC booth, President Samia also had the opportunity to be briefed on the various services offered by the bank to the farmers namely crop insurance and health insurance services.
There, the President had the chance to speak with some of the beneficiaries of the services, including the Vice-Chairman of the Lindi Mwambao Primary Cooperative Union, Mr. Hassan Mnumbe, whose union has been provided with a health insurance card from the bank.
Source: allafrica.com
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