Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) plans to install a cargo scanner at Mkoani Port in Pemba to strengthen cargo inspection, curb smuggling and improve revenue collection.

TRA Commissioner General Yusuph Mwenda said the scanner would enable customs officials to detect smuggled and prohibited goods while ensuring taxable consignments are properly assessed.

Speaking during a visit to Pemba, Mr Mwenda said the investment would improve customs efficiency and increase government revenue for financing development projects.

“The scanner to be installed here at the port will help control smuggled goods that evade taxes and deprive the government of revenue. It will also help prevent prohibited goods that could harm citizens from entering the country,” he said.

He said TRA was also working to improve compliance among taxpayers while ensuring efficient services for individuals and businesses using the port.

The authority is also planning to construct a bonded warehouse at Mkoani to improve cargo handling and security.

Mkoani Customs Station supervisor Abdallah Salim Abdallah said the proposed facility would improve service delivery and provide a more secure environment for handling goods.

“The construction of the bonded warehouse will improve service delivery at the port and contribute to increasing government revenue,” he said.

Mr Abdallah said Mkoani Port, the second-largest port in Pemba, receives large cargo vessels from various destinations, making it an important gateway for trade and a contributor to the island’s economy.

South Pemba Regional Commissioner Rashid Hadidi said tax revenues were supporting development in the region, including improvements in roads, education and health services.

He said greater public awareness of the importance of paying taxes, coupled with improved social services, had also helped attract investors.

“Pemba has recently witnessed major improvements in road infrastructure, education and health services, largely due to increased public awareness of the importance of paying taxes,” Mr Rashid said.