ZANZIBAR is implementing major irrigation projects with funding from international organisations aimed at boosting agriculture production and improving livelihoods of farmers, Deputy Finance Minister Hamad Hassan Chande has said.

Chande made the remarks at the Nation Assembly in Dodoma yesterday while responding to a question from a Member of Parliament from Zanzibar, Ameir Abdallah Ameir, who sought information on international organisation-funded irrigation projects in Zanzibar.

Chande said that among the projects being implemented in Zanzibar through international funding is the Zanzibar irrigation infrastructure project, funded by Korea's Exim Bank (EDCF), with an initial loan of $50 million and an additional contract of $18.1 million.

He added that the project's implementation was at 98 percent and was expected to be finalised by June 8, 2025.

In another development, Chande mentioned that to address lack of customs services at Muhange, Nyabibuye  and Malenga stations in Kigoma Region, the government had deployed two   officers to Muhange to provide the services.

He said that officers currently working at the Nyaroga Customs station will begin serving Nyabibuye in phases before establishing a permanent office, while Malenga will be served by officers from Muhange.

Chande made the clarification while responding to a question from Buyungu MP, Aloyce Kamamba, who sought to know the government's plan to open   customs station at the villages to increase revenue.