KAGERA: THE implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan for the Kabanga Nickel Project is at an advanced stage, with compensation payments disbursed to 77 per cent of the people affected by the project.
Kabanga Nickel Project Chief Operating Officer (CCO), Mr Manny Ramos, explained that since November 2023, Tembo Nickel has been disbursing compensation payments to
Project Affected Persons (PAPs), reaching 77 per cent of the group as of March 21 this year.He mentioned that financial literacy training, entitlement briefings, compensation agreements (EBCA’s) signoffs, and the opening of bank accounts are stages preceding compensation payments.
“Although EBCA’s are ongoing for PAPs who participate, all PAPs who have received their compensation payments have completed those stages. Bank account openings and EBCA’s sign-offs were launched in July and October 2023, respectively,” he said.
Kagera Regional Commissioner (RC), Ms Fatma Mwassa, highlighted that the project’s implementation is a milestone and will accelerate people’s development.
“I urge Kagera residents and all Tanzanians where similar projects are being implemented to seize the opportunities to increase their incomes,” she said.
Kagera Region is strategically located bordering four East African Community (EAC) nations, namely Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya across Lake Victoria. It is also a gateway to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.“This is a golden opportunity to do business and prosper,” she added.
The Parliamentary Committees on Energy and Minerals and Land, Natural Resources, and Tourism expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) by Tembo Nickel’s Kabanga Nickel project.
Chairman of the Energy and Minerals Committee, Mr Kirumbe Ngenda, and Deputy Chairman for Land, Natural Resources, and Tourism, Mr Timotheo Mzava, made the remarks during their recent visit to the Tembo Nickel’s Kabanga Nickel project.
However, they urged Tembo Nickel to ensure that Project Affected Persons (PAP) are compensated on time and in a manner that will not leave them destitute.
Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, who was a guest of honour, emphasised that the government recognises that the country’s development cannot be achieved by the government alone but requires collaboration with the private sector, which is essential for bringing development to the people.
The minister assured investors of a conducive investment environment in Tanzania. He commended Tembo Nickel for its commitment to supporting government efforts by constructing dispensaries and classrooms. He urged citizens to maintain the infrastructure and avoid vandalism.
“The success of the Kabanga Nickel Project is crucial to the government of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan. The government and Tanzanians have a stake in this project,” he said.
“We are pleased to see it exemplify responsible mining practices and urge Tembo Nickel to ensure the resettlement process is completed successfully, on time, and to high standards,” he added.
“The government’s intent is to ensure that each Project Affected Person (PAP) is fairly compensated before their land is acquired. The mining of nickel in Ngara will benefit the entire nation. This large and strategic project is expected to have a significant economic impact,” Mr Mavunde added.
Minister for Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, Mr Jerry Silaa, praised Tembo Nickel’s performance standards in their resettlement plan, particularly on land acquisition, as commendable.
He assured continued government support for the project’s success.
He advised Tembo Nickel to have long-term plans for people surrounding the mine, considering the 4,073 hectares acquired for mining activities.
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