Mining is a water-intensive industry and Acacia Mining operates in parts of the country that frequently experience major water scarcity due to erratic rainfall and limited infrastructure. But alongside its industrial investment the company is financing crucial projects in communities around all three of its mines – North Mara, Bulyanhulu and Buzwagi – to vastly improve access to clean and safe water.
Over the last four years Acacia has funded the construction of new boreholes that have brought safe drinking water to thousands of people living near its operations in the Lake Zone. Among other projects, Acacia has also financed the installation of rain water harvesting systems in schools and the extension of pipelines to connect to local healthcare facilities. The investments are part of Acacia’s Sustainable Communities programme whereby the company works closely with communities to align its activities with local development plans and establish partnerships to ensure the needs of those communities are met.
“We understand that the availability of water is a critical concern to our stakeholders, including the communities around our mines,” Asa Mwaipopo, Managing Director, Tanzania said. “Amid challenges of drought and poor sanitation, over time Acacia has given increasing priority to projects that can increase access to safe drinking water.”
In recent years Tanzania has recorded significant gains in water and sanitation indicators under its national development framework. But further infrastructure needs to be developed to ensure people live no more than the government’s target of 400 metres from affordable and safe water supplies. On this Acacia is going some way to provide support; new boreholes built by the company have dramatically reduced the time community members must spend collecting water, enabling them to devote more time to economically productive activities. The boreholes have also helped to reduce the prevalence of water-borne diseases that stem from other water sources.
Last month Acacia completed a project in Msalala District that saw it invest almost Tsh. 190 million in the installation of an electric water pump and a water tower to channel clean water to the local Kakola village near the company’s Bulyanhulu mine. The facility, which has been linked to the national grid and boasts five water tanks, each with a capacity of 10,000 litres, now provides safe drinking water to 3,000 local residents. Meanwhile, at its North Mara mine, Acacia has invested around Tsh 480 million in a pipeline to carry water from two local villages to a nearby hospital in order to provide clean water to patients.
The company’s latest project is set to have an even greater impact in the water sector. Acacia is currently collaborating with Kahama Shinyanga Water Supply and Sanitation Authority (KASHWASA) to tackle water scarcity in 14 villages around its Bulyanhulu mine. The company has committed Tshs 4.5 billion to fund a 65 kilometre extension of the transmission pipeline from Lake Victoria Water Supply Scheme to the four districts of Msalala, Nyang’hwale, Shinyanga and Misungwi. Once complete, the pipeline will deliver clean water to approximately 100,000 people who live around the mine. It is anticipated that this will lead to increased household incomes through improved health and greater economic productivity and thereby contribute to better quality of life and social wellbeing in the region.
For Mr Mwaipopo the number and scale of water projects not only help Acacia to build strong relationships with its local communities but also provide support for the government’s drive to increase affordable access to safe and clean water. Under the Tanzania Development Vision 2025 the government aims to increase access to clean water in rural areas from 72% in 2014/15 to 85% by 2020/21, and in urban areas to more than 90%.
“It is through projects like these that Acacia hopes to be a development partner for Tanzania in the future,” Mr Mwaipopo said.
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