Minister for Minerals Anthony Mavunde has begun a three-day working tour of Geita Region, inspecting key development projects and engaging stakeholders as the government steps up efforts to improve public services and strengthen economic activities.
Mavunde, who serves as the coordinator of development activities in Geita Region, is using the tour to assess the progress of strategic projects, monitor implementation of government directives and highlight opportunities available through the mining sector and other productive activities.
During the first day of the visit, the minister inspected a TZS 40 billion water project expected to benefit more than 185,000 residents by expanding access to clean and safe water.
He said improving water services remains a key government priority because reliable access to water supports better health, household welfare and economic productivity.
“Water is a critical foundation for development. Contractors should ensure the project is completed on time and delivers value for money to the public,” Mavunde said.
The minister also visited a youth-led project involving the construction of a mineral processing and refining plant, saying such initiatives were important in increasing local participation in the mining value chain.
He said expanding mineral processing industries would enable Tanzania to gain more value from its natural resources, create employment opportunities and increase the sector’s contribution to economic growth.
“Adding value to minerals locally will create more opportunities for Tanzanians, particularly young people, while strengthening the country’s industrial development,” Mavunde said.
As part of efforts to improve connectivity and support trade, Mavunde laid the foundation stone for the construction of Rwantaba Bridge, which is expected to improve transportation links, ease movement of goods and people, and connect communities with key markets.
Geita Regional Commissioner Martin Shigela said development projects being implemented in the region were responding to citizens’ needs and improving access to essential services.
He added that the regional administration would continue working closely with stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on schedule and deliver the intended benefits to residents.
Geita is one of Tanzania’s leading mining regions, and the government has continued to promote investments in infrastructure, mineral value addition and other economic activities aimed at creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
