African Barrick Gold (ABG) invests over Tshs 600 Million to improve education and provide water in 8 villages at Bulyanhulu

Kahama District Commissioner Benson Mpesya (3rd^d left) congratulates an official from African Barrick Gold (ABG) Bulyanhulu Gold Mine, Kobus Van Vuuren, shortly after he unveiled a plaque to hand over six classrooms at Ibanza Primary School at Bugarama Ward in Kahama district, Shinyanga region, last week. The mine also handed over seven classrooms and three teachers’ offices at Igwamanoni Primary School, four water boreholes. Looking on (left) is the ABG’s Corporate Manager Community Relations, Stephen Kisakye. PHOTO/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

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Kahama

African Barrick Gold at its Bulyanhulu Gold Mine Limited (BGML) has handed over to the Kahama District Commissioner Benson Mpesya 4 water boreholes, 18 classrooms and 4 teachers’ offices to communities around Bulyanhulu gold mine site.

BGML General Manager Peter Burger said, “we are thrilled that our partnership with village communities is witnessing the completion of five classrooms and one teachers’ office at Buyange Primary School, six classrooms at Ibanza Primary School, seven classrooms and three teachers’ offices at Igwamanoni Primary School.

Additionally, four boreholes; one at Kakola Primary School, one at Namba Tisa village, one between Buyange and Ibanza villages and one at Ilogi village have also been drilled. Our ongoing mutual cooperation with community members and their leaders has led to this accomplishment today.”

“Our plan was to drill 10 boreholes but some of the initial hydrological surveys proved misleading as three bole holes failed to yield water,” he added.

Bulyanhulu Gold Mine is committed to working with local communities, individuals and other organizations to foster the social and economic wellbeing of its neighbors. For the past 12 years, BGML has been drilling water boreholes in its vicinity communities, while improving education infrastructures by donating building materials and other support for building classrooms and teachers’ houses. 

In June 2013, BGML donated 1329 desks to vicinity primary schools, which alleviated the problem of pupils having to sit on classroom floors during lessons.

The new water boreholes will help the local communities in many ways; availability of clean water stems the spread of diseases, gives back time to women, puts food on the table, makes it possible to clean the surroundings and eases house chores, among other uses. The new classrooms will reduce congestion and improve academic performance.