The government of Tanzania has introduced a special subsidy scheme for small-scale fishermen across the country in a bid to boost the fisheries sector in the country.
On behalf of Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Development Dr. David Mathayo, Deputy Minister for Transport, Dr. Charles Tzeba said the scheme is to be operated through a Revolving Fund and that already, about 1.9bn/- has been allocated to empower the small-scale fishermen to buy the various fishing gears they need.
We are doing this to improve the fishing sector, to make it strong and sustainable, Dr. Tzeba said, noting that the sector plays an imperative role to the country’s economy and employs millions of Tanzanians especially those living close to water bodies.
Under this arrangement, 50 boats and 15,562 fishing gears are expected to be bought and the subsidy will be given to fishermen across the country including those operating in Lake Tanganyika, the Minister explained.
Applicants of the subsidy will be required to submit their applications to their responsible District Council’s Director, where they will be bated before submitting those applications to the ministry, he told the House.
Also, Tzeba spoke of an initiative by the Lake Tanganyika Integrated Regional Development Programme (PRODAP)which has set up some four points to receive fish from the small scale fishermen guaranteeing them of market.
The minister said all the initiatives are expected to benefit nearly 4,000 fishermen in Lake Tanganyika, including 20 beach management units (BMUs).
These plans were made public as the Minister responded a question poised by Mhonga Said Ruhwanya (Special Seats, Chadema) who had wanted to know what are the government’s plans in empowering fishermen around Lake Tanganyika as well as improving the fisheries sector around the fresh-water lake?’
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