By Lake Zone Watch Writer
Msalala councilors of Kahama District in Shinyanga Region yesterday visited Barrick Gold North Mara and being greatly impressed by the relations between the gold mine and the surrounding communities, they described it as a shining example of strong cooperation.
The councilors, accompanied by Msalala Member of Parliament Iddi Kassim Iddi and CCM Chairperson for Kahama District Thomas Muyonga, also hailed the good relations enjoyed by the councilors of Tarime District Council where North Mara is located.
Msalala District Council is home to Barrick Gold Bulyanhulu, a sister company of North Mara both of which are run in a partnership with the government of Tanzania, through Twiga Minerals Corporation.

Earlier, the councilors made a familiarization tour of various operations of the mine and CSR projects, including the youth agribusiness, Matongo Secondary School and Nyangoto Water Project at Nyamongo.
“ The community projects are a milestone in the social development of this area, thanks to the good relations between the management of the gold mine and councilors. We congratulate you for this achievement and would like to encourage you to please keep it up,’’ said Muyonga.
Welcoming the councilors, Barrick North Mara General Manager(GM) Apolinary Lyambiko said the cordial relations with the local communities, and the various support they are given through CSR projects, have made it possible to change the environment in the surrounding areas.
“ We are committed to improving the existing relations so local communities may benefit even more,’’ said Lyambiko.

In his remarks, Barrick North Mara Community Relations Manager, Francis Uhadi said despite unwavering efforts by the gold mine to support the surrounding communities, bands of intruders searching for gold were still a setback.
Member of Parliament for Tarime Rural, Mwita Waitara promised to take up the matter with councilors in the district, to help the youth engage in lawful income activities and stop invading the mine.
However, he warned that any intrusion into the gold mine should be treated as a crime and the culprits must be punished accordingly.