By Prince J Musa in Kenema
Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, and other stakeholders have inspected the proposed mining site of J.M Gold Company at Bambawo community, Kenema.
The trip was to identify issues raised by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) regarding allegations of destroying the reserve Kambui forest.
The committee Chairman Yusuf Mackery said they are aware that the Kambui forest is a reserved forest but it is not in the national gazette therefore the committee with other stakeholders in Kenema wanted to probe into the matter and came up with strong decisions that will be both in the interest of the country, the community and the company.
He stated that as a responsible government, they believe in working with credible investors which is part of President Julius Maada Bio’s development drive, but at the same time mining companies should not also affect the livelihood of the people living in their operational areas.
He said the concerns raised by both EPA and SALWACO may be in the best interest of the people in terms of water sourcing for the community, but advised mining companies to ensure that there is an enabling environment for the people, the company, and the nation.
The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Bawoh said that their role is to look into the concerns raised by EPA, SALWACO, and other sectors and come up with recommendations.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of J.M Mining Company Limited, Dr. Geert H.M Kampschoer said that his vision is to see Sierra Leone trusted internationally, which will influence other investors to come and invest in Sierra Leone.
He added that the company will only succeed through the collaborative efforts of partners such as EPA, SALWACO, and local authorities through exchanging professional expertise among themselves.
Geert Kampschoer further told the parliamentary oversight committee that the company had no court case before until EPA took them to court quite recently for erecting a security tent for which he said permission was given by an EPA officer.
He concluded by saying that upon setting up the company, 67% of the benefit will go back to the community and the country if all goes well.
Paramount Chief of Nongowa Chiefdom Sidique M Kapuwa welcomed the motion for the operation of the J.M mining company in his chiefdom as his people can now have job opportunities whilst as paramount chief he will be able to develop the chiefdom and improve the lives of the people.
He said although Kenema is a big district, nothing is happening but hopes that J M will be able to undertake development without bothering the central government.
PC Kapuwa said that the EPA should have first engaged the company and proffer recommendations rather than stopping them after issuing license for them to operate. He said the taxes paid contribute to the revenue base of the chiefdom, the community, and the government.
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