Tourism investor, U.S. body donate 148 rolling chairs to communities
The donation is part of the investor's long-standing commitment to support health, education, and water sectors in communities surrounding his investment areas.
MONDAY March 30, 2026
By The Tranquillity News Correspondent, Tanzania
In a powerful demonstration of how conservation and tourism can directly uplift local communities, Chem Chem Association has partnered with a U.S.-based organisation – Chair The Love – to donate 148 wheelchairs to residents with disabilities in Babati District, Manyara Region.
The donation is part of a long-standing commitment by Chem Chem—a prominent luxury photographic tourism and hospitality investor—to support health, education, and water sectors in the communities surrounding its investment areas.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Chem Chem General Manager Clever Zulu praised the ongoing partnership with Chair The Love, noting that this collaboration is now in its fourth consecutive year.
Mr Zulu issued a call to action for residents of 10 villages that form the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA), where Chem Chem operates.
He urged them to continue protecting the environment and local wildlife, emphasizing that the sustainability of such aid is directly linked to the success of the tourism industry.
“I encourage the community to continue conserving our natural resources,” stated Zulu, adding:
“When we protect our wildlife, we attract more tourists, which, in turn, allows us to continue providing these essential social services.”
Napendael Wazoeli, Chem Chem’s Community Development Project Manager, highlighted that the wheelchairs were a “fruit of conservation.”
She explained that the organisation’s primary goal was to ensure those living on the fringes of protected areas feel the tangible benefits of the tourism industry.
Representing the Babati District Executive Director, Legal Officer Jofrey Jaffar commended Chem Chem for its direct impact on the lives of citizens.
“The institutions invested in the Burunge WMA have been touching the lives of our people directly through various forms of support. I urge the community to continue assisting Chem Chem to ensure these benefits keep on flowing,” Jaffar said.
A life-changing gift
For many recipients, the donation represents a newfound sense of independence.
Rehema Peter, a resident of Vilima Vitatu Village, expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the beneficiaries.
She noted that the wheelchairs would significantly ease their daily lives, requesting Chem Chem to continue identifying and reaching out to others in need who have not yet been assisted.
Since the inception of this partnership four years ago, Chem Chem and the Chair The Love have vowed to expand their reach, promising to continue supporting vulnerable groups across various regions in TanzaniaΩ
