0
0
In an inspection visit led by the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Regional Development, concerns were raised regarding the delay in installing a pineapple processing line at the Hola Fruit Plant, managed by the Coast Development Authority (CDA). The visit aimed to assess progress on development initiatives in the Coast Region.
Led by Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga of Kabuchai, the committee discovered discrepancies between previous reports presented by the Authority and the current status of the pineapple processing line. Despite claims made in submissions dated August 10th, 2023, regarding the procurement of a pineapple processing plant, the line remains non-operational.
“When the Authority presented its submissions to us on August 10th, 2023, they claimed to have procured a pineapple processing plant. Today, we are here to investigate why it’s not operational. Our records clearly state it should be up and running,” queried Hon. Kalasinga during the inspection.
The committee members echoed these concerns, emphasizing the urgency of completing the plant to add value to farmers’ produce and support the region’s agricultural economy.
Managing Director of the plant, Mr. Mohammed Keinan, attributed the delay to budget cuts, stating that the procurement process couldn’t be completed due to financial constraints. He urged the Committee to allocate more resources to ensure the timely completion of the project.
Despite the setback, Hon. Majimbo Kalasinga commended CDA for its efforts in improving livelihoods and reducing post-harvest losses for mango farmers through the operationalization of the fruit processing plant.
In addition to addressing the delay in the pineapple processing line, the Committee emphasized the importance of offering competitive prices to farmers and urged the plant management to enhance its capacity to accommodate more mangoes from the market. They proposed increasing the factory’s capacity from 1500 to 3000 tonnes per hour to meet market demands.
Established in the FY 2013-2014, the Integrated Fruit Processing Plant (IFPP) by the Coast Development Authority (CDA) focuses on mango pulp/puree processing and water purification for human consumption.
The inspection visit was attended by various Members of Parliament, including Hon. Mwalimu Kombe (Magarini), Hon. Peter Nabulindo (Matungu), Hon. Paul Abour (Rongo), Hon. Major (Rtd) Dekow Barrow (Garissa), and Hon. Mwago Amos (Starehe).
The findings of the inspection underscore the challenges faced in implementing development projects and the need for concerted efforts to overcome obstacles and ensure the successful completion of vital initiatives for regional development and economic growth.
