By Lake Zone Watch Writer
Poised to boost air travel and transportation in the lake zone regions, the handing over of Kahama airstrip terminal by Barrick Gold to the government of Tanzania recently, marked a turning point in the country’s history of investment.
The terminal, built for 384, 000 US Dollars, with Barrick Gold having donated 70 per cent of the amount, stands on the area that used to be Buzwagi Gold mine whose life had ended in 2021 and officially closed in July 2022.
So, instead of abandoning the obsolete site and let nature take its course, the mining company opted to turn it into a profitable entity, for easier transportation of goods and passengers.
Kahama, a business hub strategically being boosted by its rich mineral resources and arable land, plus a proximity to neighbouring countries, will now have to rush and grab this new opportunity to expand business and investment.
The new terminal complex is large and spacious with capacity to accommodate 200 passengers at a go, while previously it only had room for 25 travelers.
Linking the airport terminal with the rest of Kahama District and the entire Shinyanga Region , according to Barrick Gold President and CEO, Dr Mark Bristow is a 73 km road which the mining company has committed to constructing at a cost of 40 million US Dollars.
Such huge injection of money into the country’s infrastructure, which directly benefits the people rather than the investor themselves is what makes a big difference with Barrick Gold. It’s a gesture of philanthropy that leaves an indelible mark for generations to come.
While handing over the new terminal building to the government, the President and CEO made a moving speech that suggests what Barrick Gold truly believes whenever expanding its operations.
‘’The role of a sustainable mining company is not only to create value for stakeholders today, but to ensure it leaves behind a positive legacy that will continue to serve local communities long after mining is complete,’’ said Bristow.
He was particularly elated by the fact that Barrick Gold has been able to change two run-down mines of Bulyanhulu and North Mara into a world class complex, producing gold at tier 1 level. What’s more, since taking over the mines in 2019, the company has successfully contributed more than US Dollars 3.4 billion to the Tanzania economy.
What makes Barrick Gold even more significant to the country’s economy, is that apart from lending a hand in numerous development projects, stretching from infrastructure, education, health, civil society to social development and many more, it also is engaged in a partnership with the government in its operations through Twiga Minerals Corporation.
“Forming a partnership with the government is Africa’s popular tourist attraction and investment destination,’’ says Dr Bristow.
However, the benefits availed by Barrick Gold require the beneficiaries to reciprocate, and one may be tempted to ask how?
Protecting the new infrastructure and others against vandalism will be a great gesture of gratitude. Most important will be our capability to utilize various business opportunities that come with Barrick Gold operations in the country.