Government tags Buzwagi park as catalyst for Shinyanga’s economic growth
Deputy minister of State in the President’s Office – Planning and Investment, Dr Pius Chaya (second left), being guided around various areas of the Buzwagi Industrial Park. PHOTO | COURTESY
Kahama. The government has said the Buzwagi Special Economic Zone Industrial Park is expected to significantly boost economic growth in Shinyanga Region and the country at large by creating wide-ranging investment and employment opportunities.
The deputy minister of State in the President’s Office (Planning and Investment), Dr Pius Stephen Chaya, said this during a working visit to the industrial park in Kahama Municipal Council, where he also commended Barrick Gold for professionally closing the Buzwagi gold mine and preparing the area for investment.
Dr Chaya said the area has been designated as one of six priority investment zones, with plans to establish technical training institutions, residential areas, industries and key infrastructure.
“Buzwagi is well planned and highly suitable for investment. All stakeholders, including Barrick, have done commendable work in preparing this area to attract investors,” he said.
He added that President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision is to ensure Tanzanians attain improved living standards, urging residents to take advantage of the opportunities available at the industrial park.
“The government wants to see people from all walks of life, including small traders, professionals and those without formal education, benefiting from jobs and income opportunities created through this major investment in the Lake Zone,” he said.
Dr Chaya called on leaders and development stakeholders to collaborate in implementing the project in line with the President’s vision.
Kahama District Commissioner Frank Nkinda said the Buzwagi Industrial Park has key attributes that attract investors, including a favourable investment environment, ample land and proximity to an airport.
He said the government had earmarked the former Barrick Buzwagi gold mine, covering 1,331 acres, for industrial development to enhance value addition in the mining sector.
“Six factories have already been constructed, while investors behind 15 other factories have expressed interest in setting up operations in the area,” Mr Nkinda said.
He urged Tanzanians to seize the opportunities at the industrial park to address unemployment and contribute to national development.
Earlier, the Buzwagi Mine Closure Manager, Zonnastraal Mumbi, said investor interest in the industrial park is growing, noting that the area meets key requirements sought by investors.
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