Tanzania constructs 33bn/- center for adding value to gemstones
ARUSHA: THE minister of Minerals, Anthony Mavunde, has asked the contractor for the construction of the Tanzania Gemological Center (TGC) to complete the construction of the training center for adding value to gemstones by increasing the workforce and working 24 hours a day to complete the construction of the building in a short time.
Minister Mavunde said this today in Arusha region during his visit to inspect the center’s project that has officially begun construction, where in his instructions he asked the contractor to focus on quality construction that meets the criteria specified in the contract.
Minister Mavunde has explained that the Sixth Phase Government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan is implementing its strategies on the entire chain of adding value to gemstones as directed by the 2009 Mineral Policy.
In line with that, Minister Mavunde has emphasized that, the start of this construction is part of the implementation of the instructions given by President Samia Suluhu Hassan while addressing the 13th Parliament in Dodoma.
“The completion of the center, will bring various benefits including an increase in the number of students who will join the center, an increase in gem value addition experts, opening up employment opportunities for youth and mineral traders, as well as the non-export of raw minerals abroad, thus contributing to an increase in national income.
Among other things, Minister Mavunde has given 7 days to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Minerals, to meet with contractors, TGC and government institutions to obtain the necessary permits to continue construction.
For his part, the Arusha District Commissioner Joseph Mkude has promised to continue monitoring the progress of construction to ensure that construction is completed as the government wants.
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Mkude added that the completion of the facility will be part of the government’s major investment in the mining sector in Arusha region.
Earlier, giving a progress report on the construction, the Head of TGC Engineering, Ally Maganga, explained that the construction of the 8-storey twin buildings will cost 33bn/- and its completion will increase the opportunity for many young people to find employment through the skills of adding value to gemstones.
