PM orders the Joint Operations Centre to ensure it begins operations immediately

DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has directed all ministries and institutions responsible for the National Joint Operations Centre to deploy their representatives within 14 days to enable the facility to begin operations immediately. Dr Nchemba said the move is intended to ensure the centre starts executing its mandate without further delay and delivers the intended efficiency in coordinating security and operational activities. He issued the directive today, July 31, 2026, during the handover and commissioning of two patrol boats, PB Sailfish 02 and PB Sailfish 03, at the Port of Dar es Salaam.

The vessels were acquired at a cost of 1.6m US dollars. The Prime Minister also called on Union ministries responsible for maritime security to strengthen collaboration in sealing loopholes that could be exploited by criminals, particularly along the country’s coastal borders. To ensure the newly commissioned patrol boats operate effectively, Dr Nchemba instructed all ministries and public institutions mandated to use the vessels to allocate adequate funds for their operation and maintenance.

ALSO READ: Tanzania acquires 50-knot speed boats for maritime security He stressed that sufficient budgetary allocations were critical to prevent patrol operations from being disrupted by financial constraints. Dr Nchemba cited instances where government investments had been undermined by inadequate operational funding, noting that some advanced ambulances purchased by President Samia Suluhu Hassan had experienced service interruptions due to fuel shortages despite being equipped with intensive care facilities. He said such situations contradict the government’s commitment to improving public service delivery and ensuring timely access to essential services.

Highlighting the significance of the patrol boats, the Prime Minister said they would play a key role in safeguarding resources generated through the blue economy, adding that the acquisition responds to a long-standing demand for enhanced maritime surveillance dating back to his tenure as Minister responsible for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. The post PM orders the Joint Operations Centre to ensure it begins operations immediately appeared first on Daily News. DAR ES SALAAM: PRIME Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba has directed ministries and institutions operating patrol boats to set aside adequate funds in their budgets to ensure the vessels remain operational, well-maintained and ready for security operations.

The Minister issued the directive earlier today, July 31, 2026, in Dar es Salaam during the handover and launch of two modern patrol boats designed to combat maritime crimes in Tanzania’s territorial waters and the Great Lakes region. Speaking at the launching, he said that the government had invested heavily in acquiring modern security equipment, making it necessary for responsible institutions to ensure the assets are fully utilised to protect citizens and safeguard national security. “Patrol boats must remain available at all times for surveillance, rescue operations and emergency response,” he said, warning that financial constraints should not hinder their operations.

Additionally, he directed operators and managers of the vessels to conduct regular maintenance in line with technical guidelines to extend their lifespan and ensure continued efficiency. Moreover, the PM called for coordinated use of the boats under the National Maritime Crime Response Framework, urging institutions involved in maritime security to work together and avoid duplication of responsibilities. He further instructed all institutions expected to participate in the National Joint Operations Centre to submit their representatives within two weeks to enable the centre to become fully operational.