Govt pledges smooth sailing for Disunyara industrial park

By Julieth Mkireri , The Guardian
Published at 10:42 AM Jul 20 2024
Minister of Industry and Trade Dr. Seleman Jafo tour at the expansive 1,077-acre modern industrial park project in the Disunyara area of the Coast region
Photo: Guardian Correspondent
Minister of Industry and Trade Dr. Seleman Jafo tour at the expansive 1,077-acre modern industrial park project in the Disunyara area of the Coast region

THE government has confidently assured prospective investors that there will be no obstacles to the implementation of the expansive 1,077-acre modern industrial park project in the Disunyara area of the Coast region, which is set to promote economic growth.

The park is expected to house at least 202 factories and is projected to cost 3.5trn/- upon completion, with 122.4bn/- allocated to enhance the infrastructure of business-supporting institutions in the region.

Speaking after touring the area, Minister of Industry and Trade Dr. Seleman Jafo assured investors that he would personally work hard to ensure there are no hindrances to the project's implementation.

“I will ensure that all obstacles related to the implementation of the project are removed in collaboration with the relevant authorities, allowing investors to continue their production activities,” he affirmed.

He added, “As a member of parliament representing this constituency, and with the Ministry of Industry and Trade entrusted to me by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, I will fight to ensure that investors face no obstacles.”

The minister committed to prioritizing key issues, vowing that government enabling institutions will facilitate rather than obstruct the project's implementation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for all stakeholders involved.

Dr. Jafo stated that he does not expect anyone to take things lightly in his ministry; instead, each individual should work diligently and fulfill their duties to achieve the goals they have set for themselves.

According to him, the project being implemented by the Dar es Salaam-based Kamaka Company is expected to establish at least 202 factories, including nine large factories, 119 small ones, and 74 specialized factories.

Earlier, Yussuf Manzi, the owner, informed the minister that some infrastructure has already been established, including a police station and an administrative building, while other facilities are still under construction.

According to him, nine investors have already begun the initial stages of construction, which involve obtaining environmental permits and preparing construction drawings. These projects include a generator factory, a sulfur cashew factory, a lubricants factory for cars and machinery, as well as food factories, such as one for biscuits and another for furniture.

In addition, he noted that 150 investors have already visited the region and expressed interest in investing from countries including India, Turkey, China, South Sudan, South Africa, Rwanda, Somalia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Canada, Zambia, the Arab Kingdoms, Egypt, Syria, and Yemen.

Similarly, it was stated that the project is expected to create a total of 200,000 jobs, with 30,000 of those being direct jobs. Additionally, park will serve as a center for research and discovery for educational institutions, as well as a hub for practical training.

Manzi also brought to the minister's attention the challenges facing the project, including the lack of a large power station capable of meeting industrial demands, which currently stand at 240 MVA (190 MW).

He added, “In the future, the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO) plans to increase this capacity to 500 MVA (400 MW), which will accommodate the estimated demand for coal across all industries.”

Additionally, the project requires a large water pipeline from the Ruvu network to fill a 1,400,000-liter tank that will supply water throughout the park and serve as storage for the fire department.

Furthermore, the seven-kilometer road needs to be upgraded to concrete standards to facilitate better transportation.

According to media reports, the area is divided into 210 plots, of which 202 will be designated for industrial use. This development will also include a dry port, three community service facilities, two commercial districts, two power plants, and a network of roadways.