Small-scale miners in Geita's Nyang'hwale District have welcomed the government's expansion of electricity infrastructure to mining areas, saying the investment is reducing production costs, improving efficiency and boosting output.
The miners made the remarks on Monday during the commissioning of a 500kVA electricity project at the Igalula small-scale mining site by the Minister for Minerals, Anthony Mavunde.
The project, valued at more than TZS426 million, is part of a wider government programme to improve energy infrastructure in mining communities and enhance productivity among small and medium-scale miners.
Speaking at the event, Mr Mavunde said the government has invested more than TZS7 billion to extend electricity to mining areas across the country, enabling miners to shift away from costly diesel-powered machinery.
He said reliable electricity is lowering operating costs, increasing productivity and supporting efforts to strengthen the contribution of the mining sector to the national economy.
"Access to electricity is creating a more favourable environment for investment and production by reducing energy costs and improving operational efficiency," he said.
During his tour of Nyang'hwale District, the minister also inspected the Kakola clean water project, which is expected to provide safe and reliable water to more than 24,800 residents upon completion.
He said the project aligns with the government's drive to expand access to clean water in rural areas, easing the burden on households that have long travelled long distances to collect water.
The minister also inaugurated Imara Baruti Primary School, built to reduce the distance pupils travel to access education after many had been walking nearly four kilometres to Shabaka Primary School.
He said expanding education infrastructure closer to communities is intended to improve school attendance and provide children with a more conducive learning environment.
Geita Regional Commissioner Martin Shigella said the minister's inspection tour had strengthened oversight of development projects and accelerated their implementation.
He added that continued investment in electricity, mining, water and education infrastructure is supporting economic growth in Geita while improving access to essential public services.
