Members of Parliament continued to press yesterday for closure of the Barrick gold mine in Tarime District, Mara region for poisoning a vital river.

The onslaught in the august House was led by Kyela MP Dr Harrison

Mwakyembe (CCM). He was later supported by Dr Gertrude Mongela of neighbouring Ukerewe Island in Lake Victoria.

Dr Mwakyembe said the Barrick run North Mara gold mine was responsible for spewing poison into a dependable river, something that has caused catastrophic consequences to the local populace.

"I am recommending that the Barrick mine be closed immediately pending all the due process to establish what is happening and ensure the company adheres to environmental safety standards," Dr Mwakyembe said.

He said the mining development agreements entered by investors and the government did not have the relevant environmental clauses to address the serious consequences as experienced in Tarime.

Dr Mwakyembe said Barrick was notorious worldwide where it operated for violating environmental laws and claimed the company was once barred in Austsralia.

"I know they will make noise and take you wherever but on this one, we will stand by your actions," said Mwakyembe. who is a senior lecturer in law.

Dr Mongela, a former president of the Pan-African parliament, said poisoning was a serious threat to the biodiversity of Lake Victoria. She said poison from the mines was a very serious matter. "On poison you don't compromise, you close the mine first," she said.

But Barrick CEO Deo Mwanyika said the MPs were missing the point. "A parliamentary committee was formed and its report on the investigation of the mine has not been released. Why don't they wait?" he told The Citizen after the debate in Dodoma.

He said MPs were criticising the investors without first getting the facts on the ground and seek appropriate measures to "cure the problem and not its symptoms."

The Kyela MP also wondered whether appropriate steps had been taken to ensure Tulawaka mine that is due to wind its activities did not leave gapping pits behind. "We have read that they are leaving but I would want to know if they had set aside funds to rehabilitate the environment," he said.

He also warned against any rushing to exploit Uranium deposits that have been discovered in several parts of the country without first making sure that that leaders were ready to be accountable and draw contracts that would benefit the nation.

The MP criticised the government for not revoking tax exemptions on mining companies following the revocation of a 2005 Government Notice that allowed the benefit. He said the tax relief they were enjoying was not part of the agreement with the Government.

The MP also gave the Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (Ewura) three months to stamp bring to an end adulteration of fuel or else he would be forced to table a private motion to force management changes.

Felix Mrema (Arusha Urban-CCM) said the government should empower artisanal miners for locals also to benefit from minerals, now enjoyed mainly by foreign investors.

He praised the minister for introducing a fund to help small-scale miners and also the decision to review the Songas capacity payments.