By Our Staff Writer in MeatuMwiba Holdings Ltd, a tourism and conservation investment company in Meatu District, Simiyu Region, has donated a housing facility for health workers and 194 bicycles.
The TZS 187.01 million donation includes a house to serve three families of health workers at Mwamhongo Village Dispensary and bicycles for students attending Busangwa School from the villages of Ming’ongwa, Butuli, Bulyandulu, and Sakasaka.
Sylvester Bwasama, the Community Development Project Manager for Mwiba Holdings Ltd, said the projects aim to improve health services and help students reach school on time, boosting academic performance.
Mwiba Holdings Ltd is part of Friedkin Tanzania Companies, which has been involved in wildlife conservation and tourism in Meatu since 2008. The company operates in the Makao Village Conservation Area and Maswa Game Reserve.
“The house costs TZS 130,369,452 and was built by Damaki Investment Company from Meatu. I am confident that the facility will help attract and retain health workers in the area,” Bwasama noted.
He also highlighted that the bicycles, which cost TZS 56,650,000, will help students reach school safely and on time.
“The idea came from the challenge students face walking long distances to school. Bicycles were chosen as a simple and effective solution,” he added.
The project includes a sustainability plan where students will hand over the bicycles to the school administration upon graduation, allowing new students to use them.
“Mwiba Holdings Ltd will also cover repair costs when needed,” Bwasama said.
Mwiba Holdings Ltd will continue to implement community projects through the Friedkin Conservation Fund, in partnership with the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and Meatu District Council. This initiative is part of the company’s 2023 commitments.
Other projects include constructing a teacher’s house, two classrooms, staff housing at the new Mwamhongo dispensary, funding lunch programs, providing medical support for disabled children, and offering scholarships to needy students.
Clara Joseph, Nyalanja Divisional Officer, commended Mwiba Holdings Ltd for its support.
She urged health workers to maintain the new facility and provide quality services while advising students to take care of the bicycles to benefit future students.
Jeremia Masunga, a resident of Butuli Village, expressed his gratitude to Mwiba Holdings Ltd for its continued community support, noting that their projects have significantly benefited the people of Meatu.