By Correspondent Peter Haule, Ngorongoro
The government is considering establishing a new customs services centre along the Ngorongoro border areas in Arusha Region, a move aimed at improving access to customs services, facilitating cross-border trade and strengthening economic activities in communities bordering Kenya.
Deputy Minister for Finance, Eng. Mshamu Ali Munde, has arrived in Ngorongoro District for a working visit to assess the need for customs facilities in the border areas of Loliondo and Sale divisions.
The visit follows a request by Ngorongoro Member of Parliament Yannick Ndoinyo, who urged the Deputy Minister to personally inspect the border areas and assess the challenges facing residents, particularly the need for accessible customs services.
The proposed facility could improve the movement of goods across the border, simplify customs procedures and create a more conducive environment for traders and businesses operating in the area.
It could also strengthen revenue collection by encouraging the use of formal trade channels and improving customs administration in remote border communities.
Ngorongoro District occupies a strategic geographical position along Tanzania’s northern border with Kenya, where livestock keeping, agriculture, tourism and small-scale trading are important economic activities.
Improved customs infrastructure could help communities take advantage of cross-border commercial opportunities while reducing the administrative challenges associated with accessing customs services.
Upon his arrival, Eng. Munde was received by Ngorongoro District Commissioner Lt Col Robert Augustino Kakomangile and other district officials.
The Deputy Minister subsequently held discussions with the District Commissioner and local leaders on development priorities and the need to improve public service delivery.
During the meeting, Eng. Munde commended the district leadership for its efforts to ensure residents receive essential government services.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the accessibility and quality of public services, particularly in areas where geographical conditions and distance present challenges.
For his part, Lt. Col. Kakomangile welcomed the Deputy Minister’s visit, describing it as an important opportunity to strengthen engagement between the central government and local communities.
He said the visit demonstrated the government’s willingness to listen to residents’ concerns and assess their needs directly.
As part of the programme, Eng. Munde is expected to visit Njoroi Village in Ololosokwan Ward and Olmiti Village in Enguserosambu Ward, both in Loliondo Division.
The inspections will enable the Deputy Minister to assess conditions on the ground and determine the practical requirements for establishing customs services in the area.
The findings are expected to inform further government consideration of the proposed facility, including its potential role in supporting trade and improving service delivery.
For local businesses, accessible customs services could reduce the time and costs involved in complying with cross-border trade requirements, particularly for traders operating far from established customs offices.
However, the government has yet to announce a final decision, budget allocation or implementation timetable for the proposed centre.
The initiative reflects the broader importance of developing border infrastructure to support formal trade, improve revenue administration and strengthen economic links between Tanzania and neighbouring countries. If approved and effectively implemented, the proposed customs centre could help unlock commercial opportunities in Ngorongoro while bringing essential government services closer to border communities.
