📍LINDI: Ruangwa district in Lindi region has continued to witness major economic and social transformations following the increase in mining activities at the Namungo Mine owned by Elianje Limited, with small-scale miners and residents of the surrounding areas benefiting through employment, trade and the implementation of various development projects.
The growth of mining activities at the mine has contributed to improving water services, education, health and infrastructure, a situation that has changed the lives of residents who a few years ago faced major economic and social challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the Lindi Resident Mining Officer, Engineer Dickson Joram said the situation of miners and residents of Namungo has changed significantly compared to 2019 when he arrived in the area.
He said that at that time mining activities were at a low level, with many miners using poor production methods and unable to afford basic daily needs.
“Many miners were going through a very difficult time. When you visited them, you sometimes had to leave them money for food or help them with basic needs. But today Namungo has changed significantly; the people are self-reliant and are running large businesses through the mining sector”, he said.
The Public Relations Officer of Elianje Limited, Mr. Joseph Shayo said the company began research and mining activities in 2020 and since then has been ensuring that the community surrounding the mine directly benefits through the implementation of social projects.
He said the company has successfully drilled wells and distributed water in Tongwe Village and Namungo Subdistrict, with improvements to the service continuing in areas with challenges in accessing clean and safe water.
In addition to the water service, he said the company has built a pre-school, improved classrooms, built modern toilets as well as participated in the construction of a primary school in Namungo Subdistrict to reduce the hardship of children walking long distances to access educational services.
Mr. Shayo said the mine has also contributed to the improvement of roads connecting villages and neighboring wards, along with supporting various schools by providing educational materials including computers and printing machines.
The Chairman of Chingumbwa Village, Mbekenyela Ward in Ruangwa District, Abdallah Manjakali said the presence of the mine has opened up many opportunities for employment, business and social services that were previously a major challenge for the people.
“Today, many people are earning an income and their lives have improved. The company has also purchased an ambulance that serves the people free of charge in times of emergency without raising any money,” he said.
Manjakali added that the existing cooperation between the mine and the surrounding villages should be an example for other investors in the mining sector, while urging licensed companies that have not yet started production to accelerate investment so that the people can benefit from the resources available in their areas.
