Franone Mining Ltd has begun building a dispensary within the secured tanzanite mining area in Mirerani, a move aimed at addressing long-standing health service challenges affecting miners and other stakeholders in the region.
The Sh180 million facility, located in Simanjiro District, is part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme. Once completed, it will provide accessible medical care to miners and surrounding communities.
Simanjiro District Commissioner, Fakii Lulandala, commended the company for investing in a project that directly responds to urgent healthcare needs in the mining area.
“This dispensary, constructed through Franone Mining’s CSR initiative, will immediately provide health services to mining stakeholders once operational,” Lulandala said during an inspection of the construction site.
He added that the facility is expected to be completed within three months and will be staffed by qualified health professionals.
“I have already directed the District Medical Officer to prepare a clinical officer, a nurse, and a pharmaceutical professional so the dispensary can begin operations immediately upon completion,” he noted.
Lulandala highlighted that the absence of nearby health services has been a persistent challenge in the Mirerani mining area.
He said the new dispensary aligns with the Sixth Phase Government’s commitment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to establish healthcare facilities in mining regions.
Franone Mining Ltd General Manager, Vitus Ndakize, said the decision to construct the dispensary reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the community through CSR initiatives. He noted that construction progress has reached 26 per cent.
“While Franone has implemented several CSR projects in the area, health services were identified as the top priority for miners,” Ndakize said.
He added that the dispensary will feature special rooms for chest disease specialists from Kibong’oto TB Hospital, who will conduct periodic clinics for respiratory diseases.
Simanjiro District Council building engineer, Grace Munuo, said the council is supervising the construction closely to ensure it meets required standards.
“We regularly inspect progress and provide guidance to correct any issues,” she said, expressing confidence that the dispensary will be ready within the planned three months.
Mining stakeholders from Blocks D and B (Opec) welcomed the initiative, noting that the area currently lacks a hospital, health centre, or dispensary.
They thanked Franone Mining Ltd for filling a critical gap that will enhance the wellbeing and safety of miners in Mirerani.