MWANZA: THE Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation responsible for East African affairs, Charles Ngeleja Kadonya, has said the Lake Victoria Basin is a strategic area with a significant role in boosting Tanzania’s economy and strengthening regional integration within the East African Community (EAC).

Kadonya made the remarks in Mwanza during a tour to learn about and assess the implementation of various projects related to the Lake Victoria Basin, stressing that such projects should deliver direct benefits to citizens.

He said the lake presents significant opportunities in trade, investment, transportation and resource utilisation, which, if properly managed and harnessed, could drive economic development in the Lake Zone and the country at large.

According to Kadonya, the implementation of regional projects in the area is critical to creating employment and increasing incomes, reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of citizens.

He also stressed the importance of enabling Tanzanians to participate fully in investments being undertaken in the Lake Victoria Basin so that they can become part of the value chain and benefit from opportunities arising from the lake’s resources.

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Earlier, Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda said the government was continuing to invest in strategic projects aimed at strengthening the region’s economy and infrastructure.

He cited the upgrading of Mwanza Airport, as well as investments in port infrastructure and water transport, among the key projects being implemented.

During the tour, Kadonya visited the MV Mwanza – Hapa Kazi Tu, where he inspected services and infrastructure supporting the transportation of passengers and cargo across Lake Victoria.

The vessel is part of investments aimed at strengthening water transport and improving the efficiency of commercial activities across the Lake Victoria region.

Kadonya also visited rescue boats operating on Lake Victoria and received a briefing on their role in enhancing the safety of water transport and responding to emergencies that may occur on the lake.

In another development, the Permanent Secretary visited a research vessel that underwent major rehabilitation using government funds. The vessel is used to conduct research on fish stocks and water quality in Lake Victoria.

He said such research is essential in generating information that can support government planning and the sustainable management of the lake’s resources, while also helping strengthen economic activities and the livelihoods of communities that depend on Lake Victoria.