New zeal for minerals sector; Samia demands action to misinformation

RUVUMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has said the government has initiated various strategies to supporting small-scale miners and enhancing the mining sector’s contribution to the national economy.

She also condemned malicious spread of false images on social media, calling on local leaders to respond to misinformation.

Speaking at a public rally yesterday in Tunduru District, Ruvuma Region, during her fourth day of working tour, Dr Samia reiterated government’s strategies to boost the mining sector, particularly by supporting small-scale miners through Vision 2030 of the mining sector.

During her tour of the region, she inaugurated a new state-of-the-art mineral market, constructed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the local council and mineral traders.

“The new market ensures small-scale miners have access to better prices and a more conducive business environment,” she said.

She noted that the sector is already showing remarkable progress, with Tunduru District alone contributing 6.3bn/- in government revenue between July and August this year.

“The government through State Mining Corporation (STAMICO) has allocated funds for the procurement of 15 drilling rigs, five of which have already been delivered to help small-scale miners reduce production costs and increase efficiency,” said President Samia.

The remaining ten rigs are expected to arrive soon.

These efforts have contributed to a rapid annual growth rate of 10.9 per cent in the mining sector, which now contributes 9.1 per cent to Tanzania’s GDP.

President Samia credited this growth to investor-friendly laws and improved regulations within the sector.

The 2023/2024 financial year report from the Ministry of Minerals highlights the significant impact of these efforts, with the mining sector contributing 6.4tri/- to the national economy.

Furthermore, she said 40 per cent of this revenue came from small-scale miners, underscoring the importance of their role in the sector.

On spread of false images, she criticised the inaction of local leaders to online misinformation, saying that many times false information circulates without prompt correction from those responsible for the areas affected.

“When false images are circulated online and leaders in those areas do not deny or clarify the situation, it is not right to wait for a minister or the president to refute such claims,” said President Samia.

She added, “Silence from local leaders gives the impression that there is no leadership and this undermines public confidence in our institutions.”

President Samia called for a more proactive approach from local officials to counter false claims and ensure accurate information reaches the public.

The president’s visit to Tunduru also highlighted    broader development initiatives in the district beyond mining.

President Samia outlined various projects that have been implemented in key sectors such as water, electricity, education, healthcare and irrigation.

“A key ongoing project is the construction of an electricity substation, which has passed 50 per cent completion and is set to improve power reliability in Tunduru and Namtumbo districts,” she said.

In the agricultural sector, the president noted that farmers in Namtumbo and Tunduru have consistently demonstrated their dedication by producing five major crops.

“The government has intervened by ensuring that crops are purchased at favourable prices or by identifying better markets for them, which has helped improve farmers’ livelihoods,” she said.

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President Samia also addressed the issue of human wildlife conflict, particularly in rural areas where elephants frequently destroy crops.

She assured residents that the government is taking steps to resolve the issue by increasing the number of rangers and introducing drones and patrol vehicles for monitoring.

These measures aim to protect both crops and communities while ensuring sustainable coexistence with wildlife.

In healthcare, Minister of State in the President’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Governments Mohamed Mchengerwa said that Tunduru District had received four ambulances, with funds allocated to ensure underserved areas receive medical support.

He said, the local council signed a contract with 20 community drivers to assist with ambulance services.

Tunduru North MP Hassan Zidadu Kungu echoed the residents’ concerns, highlighting issues such as wild animals damaging crops, conflicts between farmers and herders and the availability of pesticides.

He acknowledged the government’s efforts to address these challenges, including the provision of 5,900 tonnes of sulphur or pest control.