Ruangwa residents reap gains from Namungo mine

RUANGWA: RUANGWA  District in Lindi Region is witnessing significant economic and social transformation following the expansion of mining activities at Namungo Mine, operated by Elianje Limited, with local communities increasingly benefiting through employment opportunities, business growth and improved social services.

The growth of mining activities in the area has contributed to improvements in water supply, education, healthcare and infrastructure, changing the lives of residents who, only a few years ago, faced severe economic and social hardships.

Speaking on behalf of the Lindi Resident Mines Officer, Eng  Dickson Joram said the situation of miners and residents around Namungo had improved remarkably compared to 2019 when he first arrived in the area.

He noted that mining activities at the time were still at a low level, with many artisanal miners relying on poor production methods and struggling to meet their daily basic needs.

“Many miners were going through very difficult times. In some cases, when you visited them, you had to assist them with food or other essential needs. Today, Namungo has changed significantly; people are self-reliant and are running major economic activities through the mining sector,” he said.

For his part, the Public Relations Officer for Elianje Limited, Joseph Shayo, said the company began exploration and mining activities in 2020 and has since ensured that surrounding communities directly benefit through the implementation of various social development projects.

He said the company has drilled boreholes and expanded water services in Tongwe Village and Namungo Hamlet, while additional improvements are ongoing in areas facing shortages of clean and safe water.

Apart from water services, Shayo said the company has constructed a pre-primary school, renovated classrooms, built modern sanitation facilities and participated in the construction of a primary school in Namungo Hamlet to reduce the long distances children previously travelled to access education.

He added that the mine has also supported the rehabilitation of roads linking neighbouring villages and wards, while schools have benefited from the provision of educational equipment, including computers and printing machines.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Chingumbwa Village in Mbekenyela Ward, Ruangwa District, Abdallah8 Manjakali, said the presence of the mine has opened up employment, business and social service opportunities that were previously unavailable to local residents.

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“Today many residents have reliable incomes and living standards have improved considerably. The company has also purchased an ambulance that serves residents free of charge during emergencies without requiring any contributions from the community,” he said.

Manjakali further said the cooperation between the mine and surrounding villages should serve as an example to other investors in the mining sector.

He also urged companies holding mining licences but yet to commence operations to expedite investment projects so that communities can benefit from the natural resources available in their areas.