By Lake Zone Watch Writer
Mara Regional Commissioner, (RC) Said Mohamed Mtanda has praised Barrick Gold Corporation for initiating a Local Business Development Programme that aims to empower the business community in the region, to improve the quality of their products and services, towards winning local and international markets in the current competitive economic environment.
The RC commended the international mining firm on Thursday last week when opening a special training on Local Business Development Programme 2023 aimed to equip businessmen and women — including those from areas surrounding the North Mara Gold Mine — with the necessary skills in running their chosen business projects.
North Mara Gold Mine is jointly administered in partnership between Barrick and the Tanzania government through a subsidiary company, Twiga Minerals Corporation.
In a speech he delivered to the trainees at a hotel in Tarime town, Mtanda underscored the importance of the programme, saying apart from broadening the understanding of the participants, it would go a long way in helping them benefit from various existing opportunities both within and outside Barrick North Mara Gold Mine.
On the other hand, the RC took a swipe at unscrupulous people who frequently intrude Barrick North Mara, and tasked the beneficiaries of the goldmine activities to wage a relentless battle against the saboteurs, as they tarnish the image of the country, which is a good investment destination for projects in the mining sector.
“Educate the people to not intrude the mine; don’t remain silent because you’re the beneficiaries. If this mine is closed for security reasons, the money that you make annually won’t reach you,” the regional chief said.
On the training which aims to empower the traders, the RC commended Barrick Gold for the initiative, saying it will help broaden their knowledge and make them eligible for business opportunities with other firms, including Barrick North Mara.
“As participants in this special programme, you must strive to attain the required standards in order to be hired by the goldmine. I know after the training; you will benefit from business opportunities from both the gold mine and other firms. It will be such a great chance to strengthen your businesses,’’ the RC said.
Earlier, Barrick North Mara Gold Mine Acting Community Relations Manager, Hermance Christopher said the training targets business companies, including those offering services to the mine, and the plan is to continue empowering the traders, for them to benefit from the mining economic value chain.
“The local content policy requires us to empower Tanzanians to participate fully in our activities. That’s why we came up with the Local Business Development Programme,’’ said Hermance on behalf of North Mara General Manager Apolinary Lyambiko.
On their part, the beneficiaries of the programme thanked Barrick Gold for conducting the training and promised to use the acquired knowledge wisely.
“We are happy to take part in this programme. We hope the gold mine has more offers for us,’’ said Isack Range, Managing Director of RIN company.
According to Winfrida Minja, Project Manager of Impact which coordinates the Barrick Gold training, the programme is scheduled to run until February 2024.