NSSF lauded for completion of Mkulazi factory
What you need to know:
- It is expected that during the first phase, the factory will have a capacity to produce 50,000 metric tonnes of sugar envisaged to rise to 75,000 tonnes per year.
Dar es Salaam. The government has said that production of sugar at the Mkulazi factory, which commenced on November 28 this year after testing and commissioning were finalised, is poised to increase sugar production in the country while providing much-needed jobs for Tanzanians.
According to Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister's Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and Persons with Disability), Cyprian Luhemeja and the factory will start production at the end of December.
He said this on November 30, 2023, when he made an official visit to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) offices.
He reiterated that the construction of the factory, which has started working, is a big step for the nation because besides boosting production, it will create jobs for Tanzanians, and contribute to the growth of the country's economy.
"The construction of this factory is a very big step for our country because it will bring productivity to the NSSF, the nation, and society in general," said Mr Luhemeja.
He said that another advantage of the factory is that it has already created 11,000 new direct jobs, propping up the level of employment.
It is expected that during the first phase, the factory will have a capacity to produce 50,000 metric tonnes of sugar envisaged to rise to 75,000 tonnes per year.
"What has been done by NSSF in the creation of this sugar factory is revolutionary and indicative of good policies that enhance the Fund to invest in productive sectors,” he said.
Expounding on investment, he said the Fund, among other things, has been upbeat constructing houses in the country and showing interest in investing in a five-star tourist hotel in Mwanza.
He further hailed the NSSF for its continued excellence in management asking the Fund leadership to step up registration of new members.
The PS urged Fund management to work together with other institutions, such as the Workplace Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) and the Workers' Compensation Fund (WCF), to step up registration of more employers and workers.
The NSSF’s Director General, Masha Mshomba, thanked the PS for the visit, where he promised that the directives given to him would be implemented, especially in increasing the number of contributing members.