By Hasbin Shaw
The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources in collaboration with Kingho Mining Company Limited, through its parent body Leone Rock Metal Group, on Saturday, October 29, 2022, engaged residents of communities that have been relocated from several Mining areas which includes; Foria, Wondugu, and Ferengbeya chiefdoms in the northern province of Sierra Leone.
The essence of the engagements is to strengthen mutual relationship with these communities in ensuring a peaceful dialogue on social and livelihood programs to deter unforeseen protest.
As part of its continuous community engagement, Leone Rock Metal Group through the Government of Sierra Leone and it partners had earlier on disbursed Le5.3 billion in 2021, as a Community Development Program (CDP) fund, and are currently embarking on the provision of water facilities in these newly relocated communities.
During the engagements, the Paramount Chief of Dansogoia Chiefdom A.B.Y Koroma expressed gratitude to the company for its regular engagements with the communities. He said that the presence of the Ministers show the company’s commitment to continuing working with the local communities.
The Resident Minister Abu Abu Koroma condemned any act of protest, and encouraged the community members to keep working with the government and its partners in ensuring community development.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, David Panda-Noah emphasized the need to promote peace, and to continuing collaborating with community stakeholders to address the needs of the communities.
He urged community members to remain peaceful.
In his remarks, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Timothy Kabba outlined the great work of Leone Rock Metal Group, and thanked the company for setting up a formidable community department that seeks to foster peace and brings development to all Leone Rock Metal Group operational communities.
He said, “Your issues are under discussion and the ministry will revert soonest, but also be reminded that the price of iron ore has drastically dropped and the only source of generating income for the company is through the sale of Iron Ore. Therefore, community members should minimize their requests and give a level playground to LRMG to operate [peacefully],” he said.
He cited that in the past months, the company had provided several supports to the communities which he said includes water facility projects in the communities, support to women in agricultural activities, as well as financial support to the outstanding pupils who performed exceptionally well in public examinations.
He said that he believes that with a joined efforts of all stakeholders, the relocated communities will be a better place.