By Lusekero Mhango
KARONGA-(MaraviPost)-Mining companies plying their trade in Karonga District have been urged to court the cooperation and support of their host communities by deepening local content participation with the people.
Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) under the Karonga Diocese Project Officer Vincent Bwinga made the call in Karonga following the end of a two-day long Workshop that drew participants from Women Groups and Mining Committees from Group Village headman Kalambo and Mwenenguwe in area of T/A Kyungu.
Bwinga explained that such a move would enable mining companies to operate smoothly with the locals without disagreements or suspicions.
He further said residents of host mining communities would ensure the success of mining companies if they realized the companies were concerned about the development and growth of the communities.
“Most of the tension we see and hear of in mining communities are is a result of locals feeling that they’ve been left out in the exploration of minerals in their area and this is not healthy hence there must be a mutually satisfactory relationship between the communities and the companies,” he stated.
Bwinga then expressed optimism about seeing quarrels become a thing of the past between communities and investors as a result of equipping the mining committees with skills and knowledge on how to deal with investors.
On his part, Aaron Ngilania Chairperson for the Mwenenguwe mining committee, said the knowledge that they have gained is valuable since they were in the dark regarding mining laws.
“Previously we were not aware of the advantages and disadvantages of mining but now we are better placed to relay the same information to the communities we represent,” Ngilania said.
In her remarks Chairperson of Women’s Voice Group in the area Gloria Kayira, described the training as an eye opener Saying the orientation has gone a long way to increasing the voice of women and participation on issues of mining and extractive governance in their communities.
With support from Southern Africa Trust (SAT) CCJP has implemented, Women Voice Against Poverty and Inequalities In Extractive Sector Project, in Group Village headman Mwenenguwe in TA Kyungu and Group Village headman Malopa in TA Kilupula.
