Tarime, Tanzania:
Barrick Gold has paid Sh21.594 billion to compensate 4,881 people who have agreed to leave for the company to expand mining in its North Mara mine.
The company said in a statement yesterday that there was mutual agreement between the residents and the Arbitration Committee.
“Up to now, Barrick Gold Corporation, which operates the mine in partnership with the Government of Tanzania through the Twiga Minerals Corporation, has spent Sh21.594 billion to pay the 4,881 citizens,” the company stated.
The Tarime District Commissioner (DC), Mr Michael Mntenjele, who is the chairman of the Arbitration Committee formed by the government, said at the end of the week that they continue to encourage the citizens who were compensated to leave voluntarily, to allow expansion of the mining activities.
“We urge those who have already been paid compensation to leave so that the Mine can continue to clean up this area and finally be able to invest. Habitable houses will not be demolished. Demolition exercise will only cover vacated houses,” he told reporters.
He also warned those who try to politicise the issue.
“There are politicians who bring politics into this – something that is not good because this is reality. A person is paid according to properties that existed before. If you start mixing politics with these issues, you will waste your time,” he added.
According to a government valuer, Mr Rashid Magetta, the 4,881 citizens are among the 5,162 citizens who are on the list to be compensated for their various properties found in the Komarera area.
He said there are a few people who after being compensated for their houses, were dishonest and rented them to others before the clean-up started in the area.
The chairman of Ntarechagini Township in Komarera village, Mr Marwa Omuko, told journalists who visited the area that some residents of the township are among the people who were educated by the Arbitration Committee and agreed to go and collect compensation for their property.
“For example, my grandmother, after the committee elaborated to her what she deserves to be paid, she agreed but many have resisted taking the compensation claiming that their properties were undervalued,” said Mr Omuko.
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Tanzania: Exim to Raise Fund for Mental Health Facilities Upgrades
EXIM Bank to raise 300m/- over the next three years for financing essential services and infrastructure upgrades in mental health facilities.
The bank’s Head of Marketing and Communications Stanley Kafu unveiled this when introducing Exim Bima Festival 2024 as a platform for bringing together individuals, organisations and various sectors for raising the funds.
“Exim’s initiative aligns with the government’s broader goals to ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare, including mental health services,” he said.
The initiative, which is one of the events for celebrating the bank’s 27th anniversary is scheduled for Wednesday this week in Dar es Salaam.
Mr Kafu highlights that this year’s festival is not only about raising awareness of the importance of insurance in the society but also focuses on enhancing access to mental health services and improving the overall well-being of the nation.
Statistics from the Ministry of Health shows a staggering 82 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past decade.
Mental cases have risen from 386,358 in 2012 to 2,102,726 in 2021, making the need for mental health services more urgent than ever.
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Unfortunately, the country’s ability to address this growing challenge is hindered by a shortage of mental health professionals, infrastructure, medical equipment and essential medication.
For example, out of the 28 regions in the country, only five have facilities that provide adequate mental health services.
The most affected group is the youth aged 15 to 39, who represent the nation’s workforce, underscoring the need for intensified efforts to safeguard this generation for Tanzania’s future well-being and development.
Mr Kafu said by improving mental health services, Exim aims to contribute to the creation of a network of communities that can access care quickly and affordably.
Exim Insurance Department Manager Tike Mwakyoma said they are appreciating the support from partners in the insurance industry, who have stood by them since the last festival.
“Let’s continue this unity for the development of all Tanzanians and our nation as a whole,” the manager said.
Source: allafrica.com
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