PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan is set to distribute 84 modern fishing and fiber boats to fishermen and seaweed farmers in Tanga Region as part of the government’s initiative to boost the blue economy.

Dr Batilda Buriani, the regional commissioner, unveiled this schedule at a press conference here yesterday, ahead of the president’s tour, noting that the president will be in the region for eight days starting Sunday 23rd February.

She will among other activities launch at least five major economic projects, along with visiting all eight districts of the region, namely Handeni, Kilindi, Korogwe, Lushoto, Muheza, Mkinga, Pangani and Tanga Urban.

The president will provide 34 modern fishing boats to fishermen and 50 fiber boats to seaweed farmers, she said, noting that the region has over 180 kilometers of coastline, with the potential to become a hub for fishing and seaweed production. 

However, the region has yet to fully capitalize on this opportunity owing to a lack of modern facilities, she said, underlining that many women in the region rely on seaweed production for their livelihoods but face numerous obstacles because of outdated equipment. 

The new boats will help women engage more professionally in the sector, she said, highlighting that President Samia will also distribute over 28,000 gas cylinders to encourage the use of safe and environmentally friendly cooking methods.

This will be the president’s first visit to Tanga, where she will address the public in each district, the RC affirmed, elated that the president had chosen Tanga for this extended visit.

It will undoubtedly stimulate economic activities and help address key challenges in various sectors, she stated, explaining that preparations for the visit are progressing well.

Residents in the districts need to make the most of this opportunity, she said, optimistic that the visit will help revitalize dormant factories in the region.

“One of the major challenges we face is the decline of factories that started after the collapse of the East African Community in 1977,” she affirmed, pointing out that Tanga was once an industrial hub, but many factories have since shut down.

“We need to revive these industries to boost the region’s economy,” she said, hinting that during the visit, the president is expected to launch five major economic projects.