JPM directs public servants issuing sugar import permits to be assigned other duties

President John Magufuli

What you need to know:

  • The Head of State issued the directives on Wednesday, November 8, in Msenyi District, Kagera Region, when addressing a rally at Kagera Sugar Company premises, linking public servants issuing sugar import permits with corruption and providing permits to unauthorised dealers.

Dar es Salaam. President John Magufuli has directed the ministry of Trade, Industries and Investment to assign other duties, public servants issuing sugar import permits over looming irregularities.

The Head of State issued the directives on Wednesday, November 8, in Msenyi District, Kagera Region, when addressing a rally at Kagera Sugar Company premises, linking public servants issuing sugar import permits with corruption and providing permits to unauthorised dealers.

“They should be assigned with other duties even if they are experts in that area. They can be assigned to issue permits of agricultural crops, but not necessarily sugar,” he said.

He challenged sugar producers in the country to ensure sugar sustainability capacity in order for imposition of a complete import ban to be made.

“When the company faces sugar shortages, you are the ones to be assigned with responsibilities to import the product. But, you need to assure the government deficit you expect in a particular period of the year in order for you to be issued with an importation permit,” he said, adding: “The government is committed to protecting local investment. In future, the government will consider setting a special tax package to attract more investment in the country.”

President Magufuli directed sugar producing companies to increase sugar production targets to fill the country’s production gap amounting to 130,000 tonnes of 450,000 tonnes required by the country annually.