Barrick North Mara gives Mara RC desk boost for schools

MARA: For your information in the heart of Tanzania’s Mara Region, the North Mara Gold Mine, operated by Barrick Gold in partnership with the Tanzanian government through Twiga Minerals Corporation, has been transforming the landscape, not just with its mining operations, but through an extensive array of community development initiatives.

These efforts, primarily channeled through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, have significantly impacted the lives of residents in Tarime District.

In the latest wake, Mara Regional Commissioner Col Evans Mtambi yesterday received a donation of 310 desks and 295 chairs from North Mara Gold Mine, intended to benefit primary and secondary schools in Tarime District.

According to the distribution plan, the 310 desks will be delivered to primary schools, while the 295 chairs are designated for secondary schools.

Here, the donation is part of North Mara Gold Mine’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, which focuses on supporting community development in key sectors such as education, health, water supply, and road infrastructure.

“I am encouraged by this donation of high-quality desks and chairs,” said Col Mtambi during the official handover ceremony held at Ingwe Secondary School in Nyamongo.
He applauded the mine’s initiative to launch the desk-making project, aimed at revitalizing the vital education sector.

He also noted that the mine has allocated 898m/- to fund this ambitious project, which will see the distribution of over 900 additional desks to schools in the near future.

Recently, Tarime District Commissioner Maj Edward Gowele received a previous batch of desks from the mine, which were also distributed to various schools to help address ongoing shortages of classroom furniture.

The mine’s General Manager, Mr Apolinary Lyambiko, stated that the desk project is one of 101 projects worth a total of 9b/- currently being implemented under North Mara’s CSR programme.

These projects aim to improve the living standards of residents in Tarime, especially those in communities surrounding the mine.

To ensure timely completion, four local contractors have been awarded tenders to produce the desks, according to Mr Lyambiko.

Speaking at the same event, Tarime Rural Member of Parliament, Mr Mwita Waitara, praised Barrick for its vital role in accelerating socio-economic development in the areas bordering the mine.

He expressed his full support for Barrick’s continued investment in the North Mara Gold Mine, noting its significant contribution to the welfare of local communities.

“This is an investor who has done remarkable things for different groups of people,” he said, adding that relations between the mine and the public have grown stronger over time.

In a quick glance since 2019, Barrick North Mara has invested about 15 million US dollars in community development projects across Tarime.

These initiatives span various sectors, including education, healthcare, water supply, and youth empowerment.

The company’s commitment to the region is evident in its comprehensive approach to community engagement and development.
In education has been a cornerstone of Barrick’s CSR efforts.

The company has funded the construction of 1,090 classrooms and 1,640 ablution blocks in schools throughout Tanzania, with a significant portion benefiting Tarime District.

In addition to infrastructure, Barrick has provided over 6,000 desks for primary schools and 4,000 tables and chairs for secondary schools to address the shortage of learning materials.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Barrick has supported the training of local leaders in project management.

In collaboration with the University of Dar es Salaam, the company organized training sessions for village leaders and community development committee members.

These sessions equipped them with the skills necessary to manage and implement community projects effectively, ensuring that CSR funds are utilized efficiently and transparently.

Barrick’s CSR programme has also made significant strides in improving healthcare facilities.

The company has renovated and equipped several health centers, enhancing their capacity to provide quality medical services to the community.

These improvements have been crucial in addressing the healthcare needs of the growing population in Tarime.

Access to clean and safe water has been a longstanding challenge for many communities in Tarime.

In response, Barrick North Mara financed a water project that serves approximately 35,000 people across 3,800 households.

The project included the construction of 21 water points in four villages—Nyangoto, Mjini Kati, Matongo, and Nyabichune—providing residents with reliable access to potable water and reducing the prevalence of waterborne diseases.

The water sourced from the Mara River is treated to meet national standards before distribution, ensuring its safety for consumption.

This initiative has been a game-changer for local residents, particularly women and children who previously spent hours collecting water from distant sources.

Recognizing the importance of empowering the youth, Barrick has invested in programs that promote entrepreneurship and employment.

The Matongo Agribusiness Incubator Program, for example, has supported 21 business groups in Tarime with seed funding, enabling them to supply fresh produce to the mine and surrounding businesses.

This initiative has provided direct jobs and horticultural training to over 50 youths and 300 women in the local area.

Additionally, Barrick has sponsored sports events like the Kemanyanki Cup, which involved 12 youth teams from 11 villages surrounding the North Mara Gold Mine.

These events not only promote physical activity but also foster community spirit and provide platforms for young talents to showcase their skills.

Infrastructure development has been another focus of Barrick’s CSR efforts.

The company has contributed to the construction of nearly 3 kilometers of tarmac road, linking four neighboring villages.

This road has improved access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

Furthermore, Barrick has committed 40 million US dollars to improve the road between Kahama and Kakola, facilitating better transportation and trade opportunities for the communities along this route.

In a significant shift towards inclusivity, Barrick has expanded its CSR funding to benefit a broader range of communities. Previously, CSR funds were concentrated in the 11 villages closest to the mine.

However, as of 2022, 30 per cent of the CSR funds are allocated to 77 villages, ensuring that a larger portion of the district benefits from these initiatives.

This approach has been praised by local leaders, including Tarime Rural MP Mwita Waitara, who commended the company for its transparent and equitable distribution of CSR funds.

The involvement of community members in decision-making processes has further strengthened the relationship between Barrick and the local population.

Barrick North Mara’s CSR initiatives in Tarime District exemplify the company’s commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.

By investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development, Barrick is not only enhancing the well-being of residents but also contributing to the long-term prosperity of the region.

As the company continues to operate in Tanzania, its focus on community development remains steadfast.

Through strategic partnerships, transparent governance, and a dedication to social responsibility, Barrick North Mara is setting a benchmark for corporate engagement in the mining sector.

By and large, Barrick North Mara’s CSR program has had a profound and positive impact on Tarime District.

The company’s comprehensive approach to community development-encompassing education, healthcare, water supply, youth empowerment, and infrastructure has transformed the lives of thousands of residents.

As Barrick continues its operations, its commitment to the communities of Tarime serves as a model for corporate social responsibility in Tanzania and beyond.