Two social funds get kudos for key sugar project

A PARLIAMENTARY committee on Constitution and Legal Affairs has lauded the performance of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and PPF Pensions Fund on the implementation of a joint project for the construction of a sugar factory

The committee directed the two pension funds to make sure that the project currently being undertaken in Morogoro Region is accomplished within the given timeframe, for Tanzanians to begin enjoying the sweetener.

Committee members visited the project site at the weekend, to get the feel of implementation of the project at Mbigiri prison in Dakawa, under the supervision of Mkulazi Holding Limited, in collaboration with the Tanzania Prison Service (TPS).

The project is expected to create 100,000 employment opportunities initially, a figure that is expected to rise with the passage of time.

“After being briefed on the strategic plan and later visiting the site, our committee has been impressed by all stakeholders who are currently implementing this project,’’ said the committee chairman, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa, adding: “It is evident that they did a thorough research and indications are, the outcome will be positive.”

The committee members were similarly pleased with the way the project was involving area residents who, besides getting direct employment, got opportunities to sell their produce to the factory.

This, according to Mr Mchengerwa, would boost the people’s income. Committee members, Selemani Zedi and Ali Salehe, advised that the factory should broaden its scope by producing products besides sugar, such as ethanol.

Responding to some issues raised by committee members who suggested that the pension funds should also invest in the fishing sector, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled, Ms Jenista Mhagama, said it was easier to do so if the Social Security Regulatory Authority (SSRA), the pension fund’s management and boards approved the projects.

“In order to invest in these mega projects, they need approval from different authorities, after confirming that their implementation did not involve misuse of contributions by fund members,’’ she said.

According to the minister, out of 27 projects that are expected to be implemented by the pension funds, 15 had received a green light ode from the authorities.


The Mkulazi Holding Limited Board Chairman, who is also NSSF Director General, Professor Godius Kahyarara and PPF Director General William Erio, told committee members that by the end of next year, the project would have already embarked on sugar production and other products proposed by the committee.
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