Tanzania: Use Funds Well - Magufuli

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The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

9 October 2008
Posted to the web 9 October 2008

Faraja Jube, Dodoma

Livestock Development and Fisheries minister John Magufuli has warned ministry officials over the misuse of projects funds.

Mr Magufuli gave the warning in Dodoma yesterday when opening the annual general meeting of fishing and livestock experts attended by about 450 participants countrywide. He said ministerial expenditure must strictly adhere to government regulations, and firm action would be taking against those contravening the rules.

He urged fishing and livestock experts to work closely with local government authorities in their respective areas to identify negligence by municipal officials so that action can be instituted against offenders. 'From now onwards, each municipal or district director would be responsible for dispatching relevant information on how they will supervise DAD projects under their areas of work,' he said.

'The government has allocated Sh15 billion for projects under District Agricultural Development Projects, so we would like to see such funds creating an impact on the development of fishing and livestock rearing,' he told the gathering. Mr Magufuli also urged participants in the meeting to discuss challenges facing the sector, like illegal fishing and the modernisation of livestock keeping especially through herd improvement by artificial insemination.

"The fishing sector grew by 2.4 per cent and contributed 4.7 per cent of the national income, despite the country being the third in Africa for having large numbers of livestock," he pointed out. He said research shows a tremendous decrease in the fish stock in lakes and oceans as well as clear negative environmental impact caused by illegal fishing methods.

Mr Magufuli tasked the experts to prepare a plan of action in implementing various existing livestock and fishing policies, by setting out strategies and the legal framework for their implementation.

Experts in their respective areas need to fast track preparation of various rules and regulations meant to govern the sector to foster and improve the development of livestock and fishing, he stated.

"My ministry in collaboration with law enforcement organs and other stakeholders is committed to curb illegal fishing," the minister declared. Fishery officers must work closely with local communities in setting up beach management units to help combat illegal fishing, he said.

He said about 166 people have been sentenced to jail for illegal fishing, noting that illegal fishing gear worth Sh66 million was destroyed in Chato district in Kagera region.

He urged quick completion of draft regulations for the creation of a Deep Sea Fishing Authority to enable close supervision of fishing activities and combating of illegal fishing in the country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

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