TZW
Debating budget estimates of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries before the National Assembly here yesterday, several MPs said that though the government could have good intention, it was against a few officers who have been using the exercise for their personal ends.
“What is going on in these operations is not acceptable at all. These operations must be suspended and a parliamentary committee should be formed to investigate and come up with solutions,” Abdallah Bulembo (Nominated - CCM), proposed.
According to him, he does not believe whether it is the ruling party that has sent the minister to conduct such operations, while humiliating the citizens in unthinkable manner. As the MP under CCM, he said, he would not allow such situation to prevail.
“I fully support these operations against illegal fishing,” Vedastus Manyinyi (Musoma Urban -CCM) remarked, adding that the exercise has helped fish in lakes and along the Indian Ocean to breed, grow and, thus, could be easily found in different markets.
However, the lawmaker was quick to point out that there were several challenges that have accompanied the exercise, notably lack of loyalty by officers conducting the operation dubbed “Operation Sangara” while others were not trustworthy.
The MP for Magu (CCM), Boniventura Kiswaga, gave similar sentiments, noting that since the ministry had not allocated budget for development for a long time, it was now striving to look for funds for such purposes through operations.
“Fishermen are forced to pay unreasonably hefty fines without committing any serious crimes. These officials involved in the operations do not want fines imposed to be paid through banks.
They prefer cash or paid through M-Pesa. I don’t know if the minister knows this,” he said.
Another MP, Constantine Kanyasu (Geita - CCM), was also in favour of the government operation against illegal fishing and unwanted fishnets, but pointed out that humanity must prevail and the officers involved have to understand that they are dealing with human beings. “Why are you going to arrest a person holding two fish?
A person is fined up to 50m/- for being caught with 10 fish in a boat. Some officers are threatening fishermen with economic sabotage crimes. Indeed, what is going on is nothing but harassment,” he alleged.
The lawmaker for Mafia (CCM), Mbaraka Dau, said that the ministry was not supposed to be run through operations. In a light manner the legislator said that operations are only conducted in army camps and in hospitals.
“You conducted the first operation, there was a second one and this is the third. I think this is enough. Let the ministry now turn to the other side and start providing education to fishermen on how best they can carry out their activities,” the MP suggested.