TANZANIA Chamber of Mines (TCM) has called on mining companies to support development projects at community level through corporate social responsibility (CSR) to bring positive impact.

Benjamin Mchwampaka, TCM executive secretary made the remarks here yesterday when wrapping up a two-day visit at  Barrick Bulyanhulu Gold Mine in Kahama District, Shinyanga Region.

Mchwampaka who led TCM’s committee on communications, community relations and sustainability, visited various projects implemented by the mine through CSR, including improvement of Bugarama Health Centre which offers services for residents of wards surrounding the mine.

He said that mining companies have been doing a great job, especially in health, education, modern markets and environmental protection.

He also lauded the mine for implementing social responsibility policy in practice by ensuring that CSR funds are used to bring development to the people around the mine.

“I’m pleased with the projects you have implemented and residents get better services," he said.

Dr Silas Kayanda, medical officer in charge of Bugarama Health Centre, said that health services offered at the centre have been improving steadily and reduced deaths of pregnant women and children whereby in the past the situation was bad due to poor health services.

“But now things have improved and we have an ambulance we use to take referred patients to other hospitals,” he said.

Agapiti Paul, the mine’s community relations manager, thanked TCM for paying a visit to inspect various projects implemented through CSR funds and promised that the advice and instructions given by the committee after the visit will be worked on.