THE construction of the country’s first fishing port at Kilwa Masoko in Lindi Region is not far from completion, having reached 70 percent, officials say.

George Kwandu, the Livestock and Fisheries director of infrastructure and development, made this affirmation here yesterday, inspecting the fishing port construction site.

The project is a significant step in Tanzania's strategy to enhance the deep-sea fishing sector and improve the livelihoods of fishermen, he said, asserting that the project, which costs 289.5bn/-, is scheduled for completion early next year.

The ministry expects that the facility will create 30,000 jobs and process 60,000 tons of fish annually, one of its key components being a fish processing facility to empower local fishermen, he stated.

Fishermen will be able to increase their catch from often just one kilogram to even 100 kilograms per day, boosting profits and improving their economic status, he said.

He cited research reports that women participating in the sector are expected to see more opportunities in seaweed farming, with production anticipated to rise from 4,000 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes per year.

The country is at present not fully benefiting from deep-sea fishing as a large portion of the fish is caught by foreign vessels or is wasted due to lack of transport facilities, he said.

“This new port will help address these challenges, allowing fish that are not bound by any contracts to be brought to Kilwa Masoko, where they will be processed and sold to traders, creating an efficient and profitable supply chain, he said.

The port is likely to alter the fishing sector, when it can store 1,800 tonnes of dried fish products at one time and accommodate vessels 35 meters long, he further noted.

The fishing port is designed as a hub for deep-sea fishing, harbouring essential infrastructure to boost the fishing sector, helping to uplift local communities.

Abdallah Ulega, the minister, addressed the issue last month at the eighth meeting of Fisheries, Water Resources and Marine Affairs ministers in the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), noting that small-scale fishermen are key participants in the country’s fishing sector.

Upwards of 95 percent of local fishermen operate at a small scale, and make a substantial contribution to the economy and food security, he said, noting that Tanzania produces 472,579 tons of fish annually.

Out of this 429,168 tons is sourced from natural waters, estimated at 3.4trn/- annually and growing at 1.9 per cent annually. It provides direct occupations for 230,000 people, he added.