ADA-TADEA pledges support for small-scale miners, traders

SHINYANGA: ADA-TADEA’S Presidential candidate, Mr Georges Bussungu, has vowed to improve the livelihoods of small-scale miners by allocating mining areas to them and ensuring they fully benefit from the country’s natural resources.

Addressing a campaign rally in Kahama District, Mr Bussungu stated that if elected on 29 October, his government would review mining contracts to guarantee that local small-scale miners are prioritised in accordance with the law.

He also pledged to tackle complaints related to mining activities, including taking strict legal action against operators working without licences.

“If elected, my government will scrutinise contracts to ensure that locals benefit from their own resources,” he said.

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Mr Bussungu further emphasised that all companies seeking mining licences would be required to follow proper procedures, ensuring Tanzania maximises the benefits from the sector.

“We are committed to protecting Tanzania’s resources. If it is proven that any company obtained a mining licence through improper means, we will revoke it,” he said.

He added, “We aim to improve the lives of small-scale miners. They should not remain mere labourers; they must fully benefit from the country’s resources.”

The Presidential candidate also promised to provide local miners with modern mining technologies, access to capital, and reliable markets for their minerals. Moreover, Mr Bussungu pledged to enhance the business environment for petty traders through the rehabilitation and construction of new markets across the country.

He urged traders to pay taxes, noting that doing so would enable them to benefit from improved trading conditions.

“Better markets will also help protect consumers’ health,” he said.

According to Mr Bussungu, his government, if elected, will also construct four-lane roads in all fast-growing districts and regions to ease traffic congestion and ensure smooth transportation of goods, particularly farm produce from rural to urban areas.

On his part, the party’s Secretary General, Mr Salehe Msumari, promised to provide power tillers at the village level to boost food security and encourage farmers to move away from traditional hand-hoe methods.

“Tanzania has vast arable land that remains unused due to the lack of modern farming technologies. We call on every eligible citizen to turn out and vote for Ada-Tadea leaders. We are fully committed to delivering on all our promises,” he assured.