MWANZA: PROPER use of livestock skin is among the anticipated benefits from the Africa Skills for Transformation and Regional Integration Project (EASTRIP) upon its completion.
This is according to Parliamentary Committee on Education, Culture and Sports.
A 37bn/- World Bank funded project implemented at Dar Es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT), Mwanza Campus is implemented in two phases, with the first one, which is composed of administration and academic blocks, as well as two hostels being at over 95 per cent completion.
The Committee’s Chairperson, Ms Husna Sekiboko, made the remarks over the weekend during the committee’s tour at the campus.
She said despite a good number of livestock in Tanzania, particularly in Lake Zone, most people consume only meat and completely abandon the skins, with the country unnecessarily importing leather products.
“The President, Mama Samia Suluhu Hassan has now secured the funds for implementation of this major project. It is therefore the time for utilising the skins.
“We are satisfied with the project’s development, expecting the construction to be completed in next month, as per contract agreements. Tanzanians expects a lot from this, including job creation for graduates,” she said.
The Chairperson challenged the campus to focus on effective project supervision, a move that will attract the funders to continue supporting the government in various sectors.
Deputy Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Omary Kipanga, echoed that EASTRIP will also promote value addition in the livestock sector, following abundance in domesticated animals.
A number of students at the Campus is also expected to shoot up, hence, an increase in experts in the leather industry.
“We need exportation of the processed skins only and not raw materials. The government keeps on improving education curricular so as to have enough skilled workforce, for betterment of individuals and the nation’s economic growth,” he said.
The project Contractor from the Comfix and Engineering Limited, Engineer Allan Magoma, assured of timely work completion.
EASTRIP’s second phase is composed of, among others, a water treatment unit to avoid Lake Victoria contamination, as well as the fence to prhttps://dailynews.co.tz/dr-congo-has-lowest-data-price-in-eac-region/event the water banks’ erosion because some of the Campus’ infrastructures are along the Lake.
Source : Daily News