Geita residents to receive 70bn/- in mining compensation

GEITA: THE Geita Gold Mining Company (GGML) has announced that approximately 70bn/- will be paid in compensation to residents of Geita Municipal Council to pave the way for ongoing mining operations.

The compensation plan brings to an end a 25-year outcry from residents of Nyakabale and Nyamalembo streets, who have long demanded payment.

GGML Senior Public Relations Officer, Mr Gilbert Mworia made the announcement during a special Regional Consultative Committee budget meeting convened to discuss the implementation of the 2025/26 financial year budget.

He said the projected amount is based on a preliminary valuation exercise that has been underway for six months since officially commencing on August 21, 2025.

Mr Mworia explained that once the valuation process is completed, all concerned parties will begin signing contracts starting today, as part of the payment procedure.

“All names have already been submitted to our office in South Africa and entered into the system. What we are now waiting for are the contracts, which, once signed, will also be uploaded into the system,” he said.

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“Beginning this month, beneficiaries will start receiving their payments. Any inconvenience should be understood in the context of a large-scale exercise being conducted in accordance with national laws and company regulations,” he added.

Geita Regional Commissioner, Mr Martine Shigela directed that a due diligence process be undertaken before the commencement of payments to ensure efficiency and transparency.

Mr Shigela emphasised that, in line with government directives, all compensation will be paid strictly through bank accounts and not through any other means.

“Among the ongoing activities are the opening of bank accounts and the signing of contracts. We have agreed that by March 15, 2026, payments to all beneficiaries should have commenced,” he said.