INFRASTRUCTURE such as roads is vital for community development, much like veins and arteries are essential to the human body. This importance is evident among residents of rural areas surrounding the Nyamongo–Komaswa Road and neighboring wards in Tarime District, Mara Region.

The 45-kilometer road, known as the German Road, was previously impassable or very difficult to traverse, hampering economic activities and limiting the transportation of goods and produce. It also made daily commuting difficult, especially for schoolchildren, who could not cross two major bridges during the rainy season, leading to frequent school absences.

However, this situation has greatly improved after the North Mara Gold Mine rehabilitated the road, upgrading it to a gravel standard. The improved road and bridges have been a major relief for local residents.

Eliasi Itembele, the Executive Officer of Nyakunguru Village, confirms that the road has greatly benefitted villagers, reducing transportation costs for both passengers and goods. Before the road upgrade, residents had to travel first to Tarime before heading to Musoma or Mwanza, which added to travel costs.

The same issue applied to goods destined for villages along this route; products from Mwanza or Musoma were previously sold at higher prices due to the additional detour costs.

“Now, things are different. Four buses now travel from Nyamongo to Mwanza daily. The challenges we faced before are gone. Farmers also benefit as trucks now come directly from Mwanza or Musoma to Nyamongo. Make no mistake—developing infrastructure is the development of people,” says Itembele.

Nyanji Mwita, a resident of Nyangukuru Village, adds that in terms of social services, the road has been a great relief, enabling patients who need to be referred to larger hospitals to travel directly without long detours, ensuring timely access to medical services.

“In rainy seasons like now, students from Nyakunguru attending Kibasuka Secondary School couldn’t reach the school because the Gokohe Bridge would be flooded. Students from Nyarwana faced similar issues getting to Genge Secondary School. Now, things have improved for everyone. Even for us women, doing business in nearby villages or attending social activities is much easier,” says Nyanji.

She also notes that “boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) transport costs have decreased with the improved road—what used to cost 2,500 to 3,000/- now costs only 1,000/-.”

Joseph Mwita, a resident of Nyarwana Village, also appreciates the benefits, stating that the German Road rehabilitation has boosted local incomes and economic growth for villages along the route.

 “This area has many agricultural products. Small-scale entrepreneurs from villages along this road can bring their products to the market, knowing there is demand. Besides large buses, many small cars now pass through. Travelers between Mwanza or Musoma pass here directly, avoiding the Tarime detour. The community benefits from this road in countless ways,” he explains.

In addition to the German Road, Komarera Village residents have also benefited from a new five-kilometer road built to connect the village with a new community dispensary established by North Mara Mine.

“This road has invigorated trade and strengthened connections with neighboring villages. North Mara has been responsive in providing essential services for the community. The road’s importance lies in its link to the village, neighboring communities, and the new dispensary, which is well-equipped and has all necessary supplies. We truly thank the mine for bringing services closer to us,” says Mussa Raphael, the Executive Officer of Komarera Village.

The Komarera Dispensary was built alongside a residence for the officer in charge to facilitate community services. The dispensary’s in-charge, Dr. Dotto Makumikenda, notes that previously, residents had to travel to Genkuru Village for healthcare, but now they have access within their own village unless a case requires referral.

“Our dispensary has good infrastructure, a clean environment, essential equipment, medicines, and supplies, which makes my work easier and greatly benefits the community,” says Dr. Makumikenda.

He adds that before this dispensary was established, patients had to travel far, increasing costs for families; those unable to afford it often resorted to traditional remedies without proper diagnosis, which could endanger their health.

The North Mara Gold Mine has been actively ensuring that the surrounding community benefits from its presence, going beyond the legal requirements of mining and local content regulations.