President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the commencement of construction for the new Mkulazi II factory in Ngerengere District, Morogoro Region, to ensure a year-round sugar supply for the nation, reports The Guardian.
During the inauguration of the Mkulazi I factory, which costs 340 billion Tanzanian shillings and is co-owned by the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and the Prisons Service, the President highlighted the factory’s potential. Upon completion, Mkulazi I is expected to produce 50,000 tonnes of sugar annually, alleviating current supply issues.
The President urged the factory owners to manage the firm according to procedures and regulations to ensure its sustainability. She noted that heavy rains from January to April had hindered sugar production, leading to price increases in some areas, with sugar reaching 8,000 Tanzanian shillings per kilo, a price unaffordable for the average Tanzanian. To address this, the government plans to increase the factory’s capacity from 50,000 to 75,000 tonnes per year.
President Samia announced that the construction of the Mkulazi II factory has already incurred costs of 2.6 billion Tanzanian shillings. She called on investors to collaborate with the government in this project, commending the NSSF and Prisons Service for their decision to invest in the sugar factory.
Emphasizing the need for sustainable investment, she noted that public sector projects often receive inadequate attention, leading to the collapse of many state industries three decades ago.
