Geita RC demands more accountability in mining CSR projects

Geita. Regional Commissioner (RC) Martine Shigella has called on mining companies to ensure that their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects reflect the true value of the funds spent, warning against inflated costs that do not correspond to the actual value of the projects.

Mr Shigella made these remarks during the handover of two classrooms built by Blue Coast Transport Company at Bombambili Primary School.

He highlighted that while some companies profit significantly from their investments, the CSR projects they implement are often unnecessarily expensive without delivering the expected value.

Although he did not name specific companies, the RC urged businesses to ensure that quality CSR initiatives are executed and that costs align with the value of the projects.

“Companies are making substantial profits from their mining investments but are executing CSR projects with inflated costs. Project costs should reflect the funds spent and should be completed on time,” he said.

He acknowledged the contribution of Blue Coast, noting that such projects by development partners assist in supporting the government’s efforts to create conducive educational environments.

The RC pointed out that, over the past four years, 171 new classrooms and 3,300 classroom units had been built to reduce the long distances students need to travel to access education.

Blue Coast’s manager, Mr Jeremiah Musa, explained that the company focuses much of its resources on education, health, sports, and community welfare initiatives to ensure that the local community benefits directly from their investments.

He revealed that the two classrooms built at Bombambili were valued at Sh41 million and that the company had also constructed classrooms in the Mtakuja and Kalangalala wards.

Blue Coast Director, Mr Athanas Inyas, stated that the profits generated from their investments are reinvested into the community to directly benefit the local population.

Geita Member of Parliament, Mr Constantine Kanyasu, acknowledged that recent changes in mining sector regulations had allowed many local people to secure jobs with large mining companies.

“Mining companies should remember their responsibility to give back to the community so that people can see tangible benefits from the investments,” he urged.

Bombambili Councillor, Mr Leonard Bugomola, noted that the establishment of a government-run English medium school has enabled many children from low-income families to access education on an equal footing with wealthier children.

Bombambili Primary School’s headteacher, Mr Laurent Masaga, said improved academic standards had led to an increase in student enrolment, with 732 students expected in 2025.

He emphasised the ongoing need for additional classrooms and transport for students.