MARA Regional Commissioner Col. Evans Mtambi has emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between private investors and government institutions to address infrastructure challenges in key sectors such as education.

Col. Mtambi made the remarks recently during a handover ceremony for 605 items of school furniture, comprising 310 desks for primary schools and 295 chairs and tables for secondary schools held at Ingwe Secondary School in Nyamongo Township, Tarime District, Mara Region.

The donation, funded through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of Barrick North Mara, is part of a broader initiative by the mining company in partnership with the government through Twiga Minerals Corporation.

Commending the quality and impact of the furniture donation, Col. Mtambi said: “I have personally inspected the donated furniture and I am pleased with what I have seen. The quality is impressive and   had all the required standards. This is a commendable effort that directly supports our education sector and uplifts the learning environment for our pupils.”

Apolinary Lyambiko, general manager of Barrick North Mara, said the furniture donation is one of 101 development projects earmarked for implementation in Tarime District Council under the company’s CSR initiative.

“This school furniture is part of 101 projects planned for implementation in the district at a total cost of 9bn/-. These projects aim to improve various sectors including education, health, water, and infrastructure,” Lyambiko explained.

He reaffirmed Barrick’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable community development, stating that the company’s CSR strategy is focused on delivering measurable and lasting benefits to the people in areas surrounding the mine.

Tarime Rural Member of Parliament Mwita Waitara also praised Barrick for its positive contributions to the region’s development.

“This is an investor who is doing a great deal for the people. He has empowered many groups. We have no problem with the company,” said Waitara.

He noted that the relationship between the mining company and the local community had strengthened over time.

“We have strengthened our relations and as the MP of this area, I strongly support the government and the mine,” he added.

Earlier, Tarime District Commissioner Maj Edward Gowele received the first batch of school furniture under the same initiative. The full project includes the production and delivery of 900 items of furniture, implemented by four local contractors to ensure community involvement and promote local economic growth.

The initiative underscores the vital role of well-equipped learning environments in improving academic outcomes. With many public schools in the district still facing shortages of essential furniture, the CSR-funded donation is expected to ease overcrowding, boost student morale, and foster a more conducive environment for learning.

Barrick North Mara continues to demonstrate its commitment not only as a leading economic driver in the region but also as a responsible partner in development. Through targeted CSR investments like this, the company is helping to strengthen the education sector, support inclusive growth, and uplift the lives of people in Tarime and across the Mara Region.