IMPORTING food directrly to ports in Pemba will help reduce the cost of food in the island, President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi has declared.

Inaugurating a food storage warehouse in Gando, Wete District, North Pemba Region operated by Yasser Provision Co., the president stated that the  Zanzibar authorities are seeking to find ways of reducing the cost of food on the islands, 

the government is committed to bringing down the prices of essential food supplies.

He envisaged that one such strategy is widening food storage space by building more warehouses, encouraging the private sector to build such facilities.

The conmpany operating the warehouse had engaged in a commendable initiative, he said, underlining the government’s wish to ease the financial burden of imports and resulting higher prices.

When traders obtain food import to the island instead of relaying such goods from Unguja, chances increase of lower prices for consumers, he said.

The president highlighted the need to set favourable tariffs on goods transported to Pemba, including food prices for that matter.

He reaffirmed the government's determination to economically empower Pemba by ensurint that prices in the island aren’t higher than elsewhere, which is now the case for essential goods, That will improve the quality of life for most people, he said.

Upcoming construction of ports at Mkoani, Shumba Urban and Wete would enable traders to ship goods directly to Pemba, thus diminishing transportation costs, he said.

Dr. Mwinyi applauded Yasser Provision Co,. for constructing the warehouse, underscoring its importance in not only storing food but also in reducing product prices. 

The government will offer needed support to ensure smooth operations for the trader, he said in aasurance, while warehouse owner Adil Yakoub Sadik, disclosed that the facility took up 3.5bn/- to build.

Tbe warehouse has the capacity to store a variety of goods without damage from enviromental factors, he said,  

Apart from contributing to government revenue, the faiclity provides direct employment opportunities for a number of local residents, he added.