GEITA GOLD MINING LIMITED STEPS UP INTERVENTIONS TO FIGHT COVID-19

Geita Gold Mining Limited Managing Director, Richard Jordinson.

An official from Geita Town Council testing the public hand washing facilities donated by Geita Gold Mine.

Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) has rolled out a series of interventions and campaigns across its site and in the surrounding communities in the effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.

GGML has committed a total of TZS 1.6 billion to support the Government of Tanzania's efforts to curtail the spread of the virus and is working to ensure that all measures taken by GGML are aligned with the guidance issued by the Government of Tanzania.

GGML’s Acting Managing Director, Wayne Louw analyses from that fund GGML will donate about TZS 1.1 billion to national level interventions through the Covid-19 Emergency Fund set up under the Prime Minister’s Office.

He said the remaining TZS 500 million will be used to support regional and community interventions in Geita, including the provision of key medical supplies and equipment such as PPE, ventilators and oxygen masks.

In addition to this funding he said GGML, working with Geita Urban Water and Sanitation Authority – which will fill the tanks, has donated 10 water tanks, each with a capacity of 1000 litres to supply public hand washing facilities.

He said these tanks have been placed at busy centers across Geita town. GGML will also provide chlorine to sanitize the water, which means liquid soap won’t necessarily be needed at the facilities. Additional hand washing facilities will be installed for people with disabilities and children.

“The Company has also been working to raise awareness of the virus in the neighboring communities. As part of the Company’s ongoing information, communication and education campaign, GGML has distributed posters containing information about the virus both inside the mine and in communities, with giant billboards placed in Geita town to advise the public on how to prevent the spread of the virus

“We intend to continue with our business as planned and hope that this pandemic will end soon. To us, business includes both the production operations and implementation of projects to support communities around our operation,” said Louw.

GGML’s Senior Manager responsible for occupational health, Dr. Kiva Mvungi says as part of a media awareness campaign to promote public awareness of Covid-19, GGML has formed a partnership with Rubondo fm a local radio station which is owned by Geita District Council.

He said under this arrangement, GGML funds the production of the advert while the radio station makes its contribution in the form of free airtime. The establishment of Rubondo fm was funded by GGML under the Company’s Social Responsibility programme.

“We are working in close collaboration with the government. Two of the company’s senior staff has been appointed by the Regional Commissioner to be members of the special committee appointed to combat the pandemic in Geita. Our representatives ensure our plans to fight the disease are aligned with government.

“We have been observing the response to this initiative. People understand and are very supportive,” said Dr. Mvungi.