The Tabora Regional Political Committee of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has expressed full satisfaction with the progress and quality of construction at the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) Seed Centre in Kaliua District.
The project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The inspection, held yesterday, was led by CCM Tabora Regional Chairman, Said Nkumba (MNEC), accompanied by Mr. Abdan Nassoro, a member of the CCM National Executive Committee, Mr. Wilson Tambaku, Regional Secretary (MNEC), and other party and government leaders.
Also present were Masanja Lufungija, MP for Ulyankulu Constituency, Kaliua District Commissioner Dr. Gerald Mongella, and senior district officials.
Regional Project Coordinator, Conservator Linda Shio, said the centre is part of the Participatory Management of Miombo Forests in Drylands Project (DSL-IP), which aims to reduce land degradation and biodiversity loss.
The initiative spans 11 countries, with Tanzania implementing projects in Tabora and Katavi regions, integrating agriculture, livestock, water, and clean energy sectors.
In Kaliua, the project also includes beekeeping shelters and a honey processing centre, designed to add value to forest products and improve household incomes.
The TFS Seed Centre, constructed at a cost of TZS 585 million by Dar es Salaam-based SADITECK Investment Limited, will collect, preserve, and distribute high-quality seeds of indigenous Miombo trees, including mitundu, mininga, mikurungu, mibanga, mikora, and miyombo.
Acting District Forest Conservator SCO Sadock Gobanya said the centre will also serve as a research and education hub, providing jobs through seed collection and sales while supporting the restoration of Miombo woodlands affected by human activities.
Construction Supervisor Eng. Haji Shambani Matikulu said the centre is 98 percent complete, including the seed reception and preparation hall, an administration block with a modern laboratory, and seed storage rooms with advanced technology.
The main challenge remains connecting electricity from TANESCO, which is delaying full use of machinery and the CCTV security system.
Nkumba said the committee was impressed with the quality of construction and proper use of funds.
He noted that the modern laboratory will support research on high-quality indigenous tree species and praised the contractor and district authorities for their cooperation in implementing the project.
“These efforts will facilitate the collection and preservation of indigenous tree seeds and support the restoration of Miombo woodlands affected by human activities,” he said.
The committee urged that the centre benefits local communities by creating employment and providing education on seed conservation.
Nkumba also called for a follow-up visit once the centre becomes operational to further explore modern seed preservation technologies.