Musoma — A LOCAL businessman, Mr Vedastus Mathayo, has revealed plans to invest heavily in modern farming in Serengeti District, Mara Region. "I plan to invest in modern farming, especially horticulture, next year.

In fact I have already started and I am selling products in and outside the country," Mr Mathayo, who is a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for the ruling Chama Chamapinduzi(CCM) in Musoma urban, told the 'Daily News' early this week. Horticulture involves production of fruits and vegetables. The intended investment, by the investor, is strategically taking place in the area bordering several tourist lodges located in western Serengeti.

Mr Mathayo, who also served as Member of Parliament for Musoma urban from 2005-2010 on CCM ticket, is tipped to be the first local investor to invest heavily in modern farming, in the Lake Zone Region that is blessed with untapped large fertile land. Mr Mathayo is also one of few local investors, who seriously invested in tourism in the region, in recent years.

Among other things, the local investor has set up two classic lodges that attract foreign and local tourists visiting Lake Victoria beaches in Musoma, among other things. The lodges are Matvilla Beach and Matvilla Hotel, which also employ dozens of local staff.