Residents of Jilailai Ward in Longido District, Arusha Region, have expressed renewed hope for improved public services and economic opportunities following Government assurances about the proposed soda ash mining project at Lake Natron.
The residents said clarifications provided by the Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office, Dr Richard Muyungi, had eased their concerns, particularly over land ownership and the project’s expected benefits to surrounding communities.
Speaking on October 11, 2026, Jilailai Ward Councillor Simon Waiteswi said residents were now more confident about the project after receiving explanations on its planned land use and potential contribution to local development.
He said the project, proposed to be undertaken by Soda Ash Ltd, is expected to create employment opportunities and support improvements in essential services, including water supply, education, healthcare and roads.
Other anticipated benefits include the construction of livestock dips and water reservoirs to support livestock keepers and improve access to water in the area.
“Residents are pleased with the explanations provided by Dr Muyungi. We expect the project to help improve water services, education, healthcare and roads, as well as provide livestock dips and water reservoirs,” Waiteswi said.
He explained that residents of Wosiwosi, Alaililai and Ilchang’t Sapukin villages had initially been concerned about the possibility of losing their land once the project began.
The concerns arose partly because residents wanted clear information about the project’s boundaries, the land required and the benefits local communities would receive.
Waiteswi said that although Soda Ash Ltd representatives had previously met village leaders and residents, some questions had remained unanswered, prompting calls for further clarification from the Government.
He said Dr Muyungi’s visit had helped address those concerns, adding that residents were now ready to cooperate with the investor as the Government continued assessing the project.
During the visit, Dr Muyungi assured residents that no one would be displaced or have their land taken for the project. He said the area set aside for the proposed development covered 150 acres.
He also explained that the project would use only a small portion of the wider Lake Natron area, with the remaining area continuing to support other social and economic activities.
Dr Muyungi said the project could bring important benefits to surrounding communities, particularly through job creation and investment in infrastructure and essential public services.
He said his visit was intended to assess the situation on the ground and listen to residents’ concerns, views and recommendations before his office decided whether to allow the project to proceed.
“The Government stands with the people. I urge the Longido District Council to work closely with the investor to ensure residents are adequately informed about the benefits of this project,” Dr Muyungi said.
His remarks highlighted the importance of ensuring that communities understand major investment projects and have opportunities to raise concerns before implementation decisions are made.
For his part, Soda Ash Ltd representative Yesaya Kaoneka said the company had received the views and recommendations presented by Dr Muyungi, village leaders and residents, and pledged to work on the issues raised.
“We have received the views and recommendations, and we are pleased to see the cooperation between Government leaders, residents and the project team,” Kaoneka said.
Dr Muyungi was accompanied by experts from the Vice President’s Office and Benjamin Dotto, Northern Zone Manager of the National Environment Management Council (NEMC).
For residents of Longido, the proposed investment presents the prospect of new jobs and better access to essential services. However, the Government’s final decision on implementation will be important in determining the project’s next steps and ensuring that community concerns are addressed.