Government, Suma JKT signs contract to establish Sh11bn mining centres of excellence

Dodoma. The Ministry of Minerals has signed a contract with the investment corporation of the National Service, commonly referred to as Suma JKT, on Monday July 9, 2018 to establish seven mining centres of excellence by December this year.

The centres, worth Sh11.97 billion, are part of the government initiatives to support artisanal and small-scale miners who are widely considered as invaders, criminals and even chaotic people in the industry.

The centres will provide training and ensuring access to modern technologies for the small miners as they also access technical advice on geology, subsidies to boost their capital and productivity as well as lessons to improve occupational safety and health.

They will be established in Bariadi, Musoma, Chunya, Songea, Mpanda, Handeni and Madini College in Dodoma.

The Minister for Minerals Mrs Angela Kairuki told Suma JKT to accomplish the project within the agreed period and prove that they were the right choice.

“We offered this tender to Suma JKT believing that you won’t let us down. We hope you will perform as you did in the construction of Mirerani wall,” she said.

“The government also saved Sh249.3 million by choosing Suma JKT to be the one to undertake the project. We hope you will make us proud of you,” added Mrs Kairuki.

The contract was signed by the Ministry’s permanent secretary Prof Simon Msanjila and the National Service Corporation Sole managing director Mr Morgan Nyonyi.

Mr Nyonyi said they will do the job professionally and deliver within the agreed time.

“We have enough human resources and probably we will deliver before time,” said Mr Nyonyi.