The Natural Resources and Tourism
Minister, Professor Jumanne Maghembe, told traders dealing with
transportation of live animals that the three-year ban was a legitimate
government decision, which is not likely to change soon.
“This ban (on the live animal exports)
is the government decision ... it is not Maghembe’s, I am only a
gramophone,” he charged, saying the ban will remain in force for three
years, starting March, 2016, when it was announced.
He called for calmness as the government
finalises procedures that will guide the issuance of business permits,
subject to critical review under smooth guidance on the business in the
country.
Prof Maghembe’s statement came in
response to the traders who convened at the ministry’s headquarters in
Dar es Salaam yesterday had accused him of banning the export of live
animals without providing with sufficient explanations.
In a statement that traders’ Secretary,
Mr Adam Warioba, read on their behalf, they asked the minister to review
his decision to enable them proceed with their activities.
“You stopped our business without
explaining to us through the government gazette ... you should consider
lifting the ban to allow us opportunity to continue with our
activities,” they charged, insisting that the ban was only imposed by
the minister without President John Magufuli’s consent.
The traders argued that President
Magufuli, through his assistants, had distanced h i m s e l f f r o m t h
e b a n , advising them to consult the minister to whom he attributed
the ban.
“We had early gone to the State House
seeking an audience with President Magufuli for his intervention but he
said, through his assistants that he had not approved the ban, it was
purely imposed by the minister,” they charged in their statement.
Mr Warioba said the ban had since
subjected many traders to huge debts and tax arrears as their animals
for export remain idle and some dying.
“Many animals like monkeys, birds and
lizards, among others, that were to be exported are now dying with some
becoming a nuisance to the community,” he added. Business people also
called for the government to ensure their investments in the business
are recouped, including fees for animal capturing and export permits.
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