GEITA — Outgoing Geita Regional Commissioner Martine Shigela has handed over the region's leadership to Alexander Mnyeti after four years in office, highlighting the growth of the annual mining technology exhibition as one of the initiatives he wants his successor to sustain.
Mr Shigela, who has been transferred to Manyara, said financial support mobilised from development partners for the National Mineral Technology and Investment Exhibition had increased from between TZS50 million and TZS100 million when he arrived in Geita to more than TZS1.4 billion.
He made the remarks during a farewell ceremony held in Geita Municipality, where Mr Mnyeti was also formally welcomed as the region's new commissioner.
Mr Shigela said the increase reflected cooperation between the regional administration and development partners, particularly in supporting infrastructure and other requirements for the annual exhibition.
“When I arrived in Geita, collections from development partners to support the exhibition, including the construction of exhibition stalls, were between TZS50 million and TZS100 million. Through cooperation with development partners and my team, I am leaving with collections exceeding TZS1.4 billion,” he said.
The mining exhibition, now in its ninth edition, is being held at the Dkt Samia Suluhu Hassan grounds in Geita Municipality.
Mr Shigela urged Mr Mnyeti to maintain the momentum and improve the exhibition further so that it can generate greater benefits for residents and businesses involved in the mining value chain.
“I urge RC Mnyeti to continue from where I have stopped so that the exhibition becomes even more modern and benefits more people,” he said.
The transfer marks the end of Mr Shigela's tenure in Geita, where he was appointed in 2022 after serving as Tanga Regional Commissioner. He replaced Rosemary Senyamule, who was transferred to Dodoma.
During his tenure, the region implemented development projects in sectors including health, education and road infrastructure, according to the outgoing commissioner.
Mr Shigela said the progress made in Geita was driven by cooperation between government officials, development partners and other stakeholders.
For his part, Mr Mnyeti said he would seek advice from his predecessor as he takes charge of the region, citing Mr Shigela's experience in leading Geita.
He also appealed to residents and local leaders to support his administration as he takes forward the region's development agenda.
Mr Mnyeti urged religious leaders to pray for his predecessor as he begins his new assignment in Manyara.
“My fellow citizens, this is a boat and I, Mnyeti, am now your captain. I ask you to welcome me. For those who dislike me, please love me so that we can work together to build our beautiful Geita,” he said.