Coal mining companies operating in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, are making significant contributions to the welfare of nearby communities.
Residents living close to mining sites are benefiting from job opportunities and improved access to essential social services.
The companies are actively supporting the construction of health facilities, easing the burden on locals who previously had to travel long distances for medical care.
Mark Tarimo, Sales Center Supervisor at Jitegemee Holdings Company Limited, highlighted the company’s ongoing community support initiatives.
These include the construction of school sanitation facilities in Luagala village and the employment of over 200 local youths.
According to Tarimo, this is part of the company’s broader strategy to empower young people economically and improve their standard of living.
“We’ve employed youths in various roles, including driving and installing tarpaulins on trucks that come to load coal,” said Tarimo.
He also noted that Jitegemee Holdings has significantly upgraded its mining infrastructure, allowing the company to produce over 3,000 tons of coal daily.
The coal is processed and sold to both local and regional markets, with major clients in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Meanwhile, Sanzeh Ntikwa, Manager of Ruvuma Coal Limited, shared similar efforts by his company to uplift the surrounding communities.
The company has constructed two classrooms and a health center in Paradiso village, improved the local market infrastructure, and supplied sports equipment for youth activities.
“In Sara village, we’ve built two classrooms, a teachers’ office, and a fully equipped health center. We are also planning to build a VETA vocational training school in Paradiso village. We’re currently awaiting government approvals and construction plans to begin the project. Additionally, we’ve purchased a school bus to transport students from Paradiso to Luagala Secondary School,” Ntikwa explained.
Penina Rububula, a geologist at Ruvuma Coal Limited and one of the local residents employed by the company, shared how her employment has transformed her life.
“Thanks to this job, I’ve been able to pay for my children’s education, purchase land, and meet my everyday needs,” she said.
These initiatives highlight the positive impact of responsible mining practices on local development and community well-being.