MAKONDA URGES GGML CSR INITIATIVES TO LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY IN GEITA

Arusha Regional Commissioner, Mr. Paul Makonda (left) and Dr. Kiva Mvungi, Senior Manager - Health, Safety and Environment at GGML (right) share a light moment at the GGML booth during the 2024 OSHA exhibition at the General Tyres Showgrounds in Arusha. During the 2023 OSHA Exhibitions, Geita Gold Mining was recognised as the best performing company in terms of occupational health and safety, and was also awarded the title of best overall exhibitor.

Arusha Regional Commissioner, Mr. Paul Makonda, has urged Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) to ensure that the funds provided by the company to implement various corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects positively impact the lives of the people of Geita Region and Tanzania in general.

In addition to commending GGML for showcasing various technologies at the Occupational Safety and Health Agency (OSHA) exhibitions held at the General Tyre Grounds in Arusha, he also expressed satisfaction with the education provided to the public on occupational health and safety issues.

Makonda, who visited the GGML pavilion at the exhibition, said the lives of people in Geita should match the wealth that exists in the region.

"I'm not ashamed to be called rich because that's something to be proud of. I can't be proud of poverty, so I want you Tanzanians who are in this mine to continue to be a source of change for your fellow Tanzanians who surround this mine," he said.

GGML's Dr. Kiva Mvungi told Makonda that this year's CSR programme builds on GGML's previous work in the environment, infrastructure, health, education and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in GGML's host communities.

Last year, GGML signed an MoU with Geita Town Council, Geita District and neighbouring Chato, Bukombe and Mbogwe District Councils to implement its TZS 19 billion CSR programme for 2022/2023.

"A total of Sh9.8 billion has been allocated to Geita Town Council, while a budget of TZS 8.6 billion has been allocated to Geita District Council.

Makonda said GGML's work in the Geita region has helped improve education. The company has built or improved many schools, including washrooms, classrooms, canteens and dormitories. It has also provided sanitary towels.

He said the infrastructure was a result of the implementation of the amendments to the Mining Act in 2017, where GGML, in collaboration with the relevant councils, prepared a community service plan, while allocating an amount of TZS 9.2 billion annually for development projects.

In addition to education projects, Dr Kiva said GGML has allocated money for environmental projects through CSR funds where TZS 700 million is being used.

"There are also strategic projects including those for fish farming, projects for mothers and youths as well as the disadvantaged where more than TZS 1.5 billion is being used.

He said the projects add value to various sectors of the economy and bring development to the people.