Geita. The government is set to establish a centre in Geita Region to provide education on the health and environmental effects of mercury use in gold processing.
The Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Hamad Yusuf Masauni, commended the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) for constructing the facility.
The centre will focus on raising awareness about the risks linked to unsafe mercury use among artisanal and small-scale gold miners.
Mr Masauni issued the remarks during a working visit to Geita Region, where he inspected the construction site of the building.
The facility is being built opposite the Geita Regional Commissioner’s Office.
Construction has reached about 80 per cent.
Speaking after the inspection, the minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the project.
He also praised the integration of environmentally friendly features in the design and construction of the building.
Mr Masauni said the centre will serve as an important platform for public education on environmental conservation.
He noted that communities, particularly small-scale miners, will benefit from increased awareness of the dangers associated with improper mercury handling.
The government has been promoting safer mining practices to protect human health and the environment.
Mercury is widely used in small-scale gold extraction.
However, improper handling can cause serious health problems and environmental pollution.
Authorities say education and awareness are essential to reducing the harmful effects of the chemical.
The Director General of NEMC, Dr Immaculate Semesi, said the building will also serve as a model for similar facilities planned across the country.
She explained that the design will guide the construction of 12 additional zonal offices for the institution.
According to her, the Geita centre demonstrates the council’s commitment to strengthening environmental education and monitoring infrastructure.
The Environmental Health and Pollution Management Project (EHPMP) coordinator, Dr Befrina Igulu, said the building incorporates several environmentally friendly systems.
These include modern laboratories and a specialised mercury education library.
The facility will also feature natural lighting systems that utilise sunlight to reduce energy consumption.
Other features include a rainwater harvesting system, a boardroom and a large conference hall.
Officials say the centre will support training, research and public outreach on mercury use and wider environmental management issues.
Geita Region is among Tanzania’s major gold-producing areas.
It hosts a large number of artisanal and small-scale miners.
Authorities believe the new centre will play a key role in promoting safer mining practices and improving environmental awareness in mining communities.
