Dr Bashiru Kakurwa said during the launch of a laboratory for ocean acidification research in Dar es Salaam that officials must ensure government investments deliver results and boost economic growth. He criticised officials for claiming funds were unavailable while then failing to use money promptly once it became available.
The minister said the government must strengthen project supervision, improve procurement procedures and use public money efficiently. Officials who fail to implement projects properly should face investigation and appropriate action, he added.
In other developments, Dr Kakurwa said Tanzania is acquiring six fishing vessels to enable direct participation in deep-sea fishing rather than relying on leased private vessels. Contracts have been signed for three vessels, with two going to Tanzania Mainland and one to Zanzibar, while arrangements for the remaining three are ongoing.
The government has completed construction of the Kilwa Fishing Port and plans investments in cold-storage systems, fish-processing factories and modern preservation technologies. According to the minister, the new vessels and infrastructure will increase the country's capacity to benefit from marine resources, create employment and boost national revenue while reducing fish losses and improving product quality.