A major gravel production project in Njombe Municipality is expected to ease construction costs, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy as demand for building materials continues to rise across the region.
The project, located in Kambarage Street, Njombe Mjini, is owned by small-scale construction minerals miner Isaya Boniface.
It features a modern stone-crushing plant capable of producing more than 1,000 tonnes of gravel per day. The facility has been developed with technical support from the Indian firm Shree Sonal Earth Ltd.
The project comes at a time when Njombe is experiencing rapid growth in infrastructure development, housing construction, and public investments, all of which require large quantities of gravel and other construction materials.
Speaking about the project, Boniface said the investment will reduce the long-standing challenge of transporting gravel from distant regions such as Iringa, Dodoma, and Coastal areas including Lugoba.
He said the availability of locally produced gravel will help lower construction costs for citizens and contractors, speed up project implementation, and improve access to affordable building materials.
“This project will make gravel more accessible within Njombe. It will reduce transport costs and support both small and large construction projects,” he said.
Boniface added that the project is also creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for local residents, including youth engaged in transport, loading, machine operation, and related services. He said this will help circulate money within the community and support household incomes.
The Resident Mining Officer for Njombe Region, Engineer Lucas Mlekwa, said the project is an important step in strengthening the mining and construction materials sector while increasing government revenue.
He said that with a production capacity of over 1,000 tonnes per day, the government is expected to collect more than Sh2.3 million daily through royalties and inspection fees.
He added that annual revenue could reach between Sh400 million and Sh600 million, funds that contribute to public services and development projects.
Engineer Mlekwa noted that Njombe continues to expand in roads, housing, and industrial investments, making reliable access to construction materials essential for sustained growth.
He further said the government under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has continued to support small-scale miners by improving access to finance, equipment, and a more enabling business environment.
He also pointed out that upcoming major projects in the region, including industrial developments such as the iron and steel initiative, will further increase demand for gravel, creating even more opportunities for local investors and workers.
Residents and stakeholders have welcomed the project, saying it will reduce delays in construction projects, improve affordability of building materials, and strengthen Njombe’s position as an emerging hub for construction-related industries.
The project is seen as part of a broader shift toward local production of key materials that directly support citizens’ daily needs and regional development goals.
