The Regional Commissioner (RC) of Manyara, Queen Cuthbert Sendiga, has directed Tanzanite mine owners to strengthen measures to prevent occupational diseases, including tuberculosis (TB) and silicosis, and to ensure they fulfill their corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations.
RC Sendiga spoke during a meeting with Tanzanite mine operators at Mazubu Grand Hotel in Mirerani, Simanjiro District. She stressed that the health and safety of miners must remain a top priority.
“Mine operators must adhere strictly to health regulations to reduce dust exposure. During my recent visit to Kibong’oto Hospital, I witnessed alarming conditions among miners,” RC Sendiga said.
She further urged mine owners to implement CSR initiatives properly, noting that neglecting these obligations damages the reputation of miners, especially during national gatherings in Dodoma.
To oversee health matters in mines, RC Sendiga has appointed a special committee, adding five miners to monitor occupational health for Tanzanite workers.
The committee will operate under the leadership of Simanjiro District Commissioner Fakii Raphael Lulandala and be chaired by Elisha Nelson Mnyawi, Chairman of the Manyara Miners Association (MAREMA).
Other committee members include MAREMA Secretary-General Tariq Kibwe, Assistant Secretary Dr. Curtis Msosa, Vice-Chair of the Mirerani MAREMA branch Peter Laizer, and member Shamym Babu Premsing.
MAREMA Chairman Mnyawi reported that a recent visit to Kibong’oto Hospital identified 41 miners suffering from occupational illnesses 22 with tuberculosis and 19 with silicosis.
Efforts to reduce dust exposure include a water-spraying system installed by God Charity Company, capable of delivering 100,000 liters per hour. Experts will oversee its use to ensure miners’ safety.
Simanjiro DC Lulandala urged mine owners to attend meetings personally rather than sending representatives, stressing that their direct involvement is crucial.
“I commend those of you who attended this meeting with our RC. However, those who habitually send representatives should stop. You are needed in person, not your proxy,” DC Lulandala said.