<p>THE ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has asked the government to order cashew nut exporters to use Mtwara Port in a bid to accelerate southern regions economic development.</p> <p>Cashew nut exporters have seemingly snubbed the port in favour of Dar es Salaam Port. Addressing a public rally at the Heroes’ grounds, CCM Secretary General Abdulrahman Kinana, said that the Ministry of Transport should find out the reasons Mtwara Port has been deserted.</p> <p>“Using Mtwara Port will create more employment opportunities to residents hence boost development,†said the CCM Secretary General while summing up his 16-day tour of all the constituencies in Lindi and Mtwara. Mr Kinana said that it was easier to use Mtwara Port than Dar es Salaam Port to transport huge consignments from the southern regions, adding that transporting the consignment by vehicles from Mtwara to Dar es Salaam before exporting it using the city port, poses more questions than answers.</p> <p>Mr Kinana further said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade should ensure that the regions get enough cashew nuts processing factories so that the country does not export them unprocessed. Mtwara Member of Parliament, Mr Hasnain Murji said that the constituency was facing a number of challenges, adding that despite having natural gas the area was still suffering from unreliable power.</p> <p>“We experience frequent power cuts and water problems. Both services are vital for our development,†he said. Mr Murji urged the government to speed up the implementation of Mtwara Master Plan as residents have failed to develop their plots because of the stop order from the government, aimed at carrying out the town Master Plan.</p> <p> </p>