Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga has directed the contractor building the Tanzanite Trading Centre in Mirerani, Simanjiro District, to ensure the project is completed on time.
Sendiga issued the directive on Tuesday while laying the foundation stone for the five-storey gemstone market, which is being developed by the National Housing Corporation (NHC).
She emphasized that the facility must be ready for operations by September 15, 2025, to allow trading activities to begin as scheduled.
“The completion of this market will add significant value to Mirerani, Simanjiro, Manyara, and Tanzania as a whole. I also instruct the Simanjiro District Council to release surrounding plots without bureaucracy to encourage investment and construction,” she said.
NHC construction supervisor Anna Akyoo revealed that TZS 5 billion has already been invested in the project.
She noted that the project has reached 98 percent completion, and her team will follow the Regional Commissioner’s instructions to finalize it on time.
According to Akyoo, NHC is contracted to complete two floors, while the remaining three will be finished by the Simanjiro District Council.
Simanjiro District Executive Director Gracian Makota expressed gratitude to President Samia Suluhu Hassan for allocating funds for the project.
“Although there are many development projects across the country, we in Simanjiro are thankful, and we also appreciate the Regional Commissioner’s tireless support in championing this market,” he said.
The initiative has also been welcomed by the mining community. Manyara Regional Miners Association (MAREMA) chairperson, Elisha Mnyawi, said the market provides miners with a formal and reliable place to sell their tanzanite while ensuring tax compliance.
Similarly, Tanzania Women Miners Association (TAWOMA) vice chairperson, Rachel Njau, described the project as a long-awaited dream, noting that tanzanite—found only in Tanzania—now has a secure and recognized market.
Local gemstone trader Joyce Mkilanya added that women in the trade are particularly grateful to the government, as the facility will simplify their business operations.