Deputy Finance Minister Mshamu Ali Munde has visited Ngorongoro District to assess the need for a customs service centre in the border areas of Loliondo and Sale, amid calls for improved access to government services in the area.
The visit follows a request by Ngorongoro MP Yannick Ndoinyo, who asked the deputy minister to tour the border areas and assess the situation on the ground, including the need for customs services.
Mr Munde met Ngorongoro District Commissioner Robert Augustino Kakomangile and other district leaders after arriving in the district, where they discussed the proposed facility and the needs of residents in the area.
The deputy minister said the government was focused on ensuring citizens could access public services efficiently and in line with their needs.
He commended district leaders for their efforts to improve service delivery and said the government would continue working with local authorities to address challenges affecting communities.
Mr Kakomangile thanked Mr Munde for visiting Ngorongoro, saying the engagement would help strengthen cooperation between government institutions and residents.
Mr Munde is expected to visit border areas in Njoroi Village, Ololosokwan Ward, and Olmiti Village in Enguserosambu Ward, both in Loliondo Division.
The tour will provide the ministry with an opportunity to assess conditions at the border and determine the requirements for introducing customs services in the area.
The proposed customs centre is expected to improve access to customs-related services for residents and businesses operating around the border areas, while giving authorities a clearer picture of trade and movement across the border.