The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, has directed all law enforcement and regulatory authorities in the livestock and fisheries sectors to stop making decisions that disrupt business operations and threaten the livelihoods of herders and fishers.
Speaking on January 15, 2025, during an inspection of the Government-owned meat abattoir at Kizota in Dodoma, Dr Bashiru stressed that regulation must support economic activity and protect citizens who depend on the two sectors for their daily income.
He called on officials at all levels to engage stakeholders through dialogue before taking enforcement actions.
The minister’s directive follows a recent dispute in Tanga Region, which he said should serve as a lesson to all authorities.
He explained that councils and ministries are all part of one government system and must act in a coordinated and responsible manner to avoid harming economic activities.
“What happened in Tanga should not happen again. Even if the decision comes from a council, it is still a government decision. We must restrain ourselves and avoid enforcement approaches that destabilise businesses and economic activities in these sectors,” Dr Bashiru said.
He further instructed technical officers to issue proper notices and allow traders sufficient time to comply with legal requirements before closing or suspending their businesses.
“When you close a business even for one day, a family may fail to get food for that day, and the government also loses revenue,” he said, emphasising the human impact of such decisions.
During the visit, Dr Bashiru also directed the management of the Government abattoir, which operates under the National Ranching Company (NARCO), to address all identified shortcomings.
He instructed NARCO Director Mr Mohamedi Mbwana to ensure the facility is well maintained and operates in a clean and safe environment at all times.
The minister said the government remains committed to creating a supportive business environment that protects citizens’ livelihoods while ensuring compliance with the law, dialogue, and sustainable growth in the livestock and fisheries sectors.