The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening border controls to prevent the illegal smuggling of day-old chicks and other poultry products into the country.
Addressing the issue of transit consignments destined for Zanzibar, he made a pointed observation regarding the integrity of the current enforcement system.
He noted that all such consignments are officially escorted, and therefore, any instance of goods being offloaded into mainland markets without authorization implies that those responsible for the escort are acting with knowledge or complicity.
The Minister framed this issue not merely as a regulatory failure, but as a matter of official integrity and accountability within the Ministry.
He issued a stern warning to officials who are not adhering to enforcement protocols, emphasizing that failure to act with integrity undermines both the sector and public trust.
Key actions and positions highlighted:
- Strengthening border control mechanisms to curb illegal imports
- Ensuring strict compliance with transit permit regulations
- Holding enforcement officers accountable for breaches
- Promoting principled and ethical leadership within the Ministry
The Minister underscored that restoring integrity in enforcement systems is critical to safeguarding the poultry sector and maintaining a fair and regulated market environment.