Small-scale miners in Geita Region have praised the Rural Energy Agency (REA) for delivering electricity to their mining sites, saying the move has significantly improved their productivity, lowered operating costs, and enhanced safety.
The electricity was provided through a special project designed to connect small- and medium-scale miners, light industries, and farming areas to reliable power sources. The initiative is part of REA’s broader mission to stimulate rural economic development.
Speaking during a recent inspection visit by the Rural Energy Board (REB) to the Magema mining area, several miners expressed gratitude for the transformation electricity has brought to their work.
"Electricity has changed everything for us," said Jackson John, a small-scale miner in Magema. "Before, we depended on diesel generators, which were expensive and often unreliable. Now, with steady power, we can operate modern machines and work more efficiently."
Another miner, Ms. Neema Paulo, noted that the arrival of electricity had also helped improve the safety and quality of their operations. “We used to work in poor lighting conditions, especially at night. Now we feel safer, and our output has increased,” she said.
The visit by the Rural Energy Board was part of its oversight mission to monitor the progress and impact of rural electrification projects in Geita.
The board members spoke with local miners and community leaders to gather feedback and assess the benefits of the ongoing efforts.
REA Director General, Eng. Hassan Saidy, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting economic development in rural areas through sustainable energy access.
“We are proud to see how electricity is helping miners improve their livelihoods. Our goal is to ensure that energy becomes a driver of progress, especially in productive sectors like mining and agriculture,” he said.
REB Chairperson, Eng. Boniface Nyamo-Hanga, emphasized that the board is keen to ensure that projects not only deliver power but also empower communities.
“We’re not just providing electricity we’re unlocking opportunities. We want to see more jobs, better income, and improved living standards,” he noted.
With the success witnessed in Geita, REA plans to replicate the project in other regions with similar economic activities.
The move is expected to accelerate Tanzania’s industrialization drive by promoting inclusive access to energy for all.