Member of Parliament for Constituency 91 in Soro-Gbeima chiefdom, Pujehun district, says his people are unhappy with the operations of a mining company called Strategic Business Development which is undertaking exploration work in the Soro-Gbeima chiefdom.
Hon. Solomon Feika recently wrote a letter to the Minister of Mineral Resources, Minkailu Mansaray saying “there has been huge mobilization of heavy mining equipment by an unknown organisation with the view of engaging in mining activities in our chiefdom which after effect will be very negative thereby destroying the community and exposing our people to total hardship and environmental degradation.”
The MP told Politico that he did not even know the company, and described their operations as an “unfortunate attempt to exploit the natural resources of our land without respect for our rights as a people of this chiefdom.” He complained that he had made several attempts to talk to the company officials but “they prove to be very hostile and have no respect for the citizens of the chiefdom.”
Hon. Feika said that he wanted to have direct talks with the minister of mineral resources to “get a clear picture in respect in respect of the on-going exploitation...to know those behind this group and to find an amicable solution.”
Director of Mines Jonathan Sharka told Politico that the MP and some community people had made a representation to the ministry about the Work Strategic Business Development company but that the company was “not obliged” to enter into any agreement with the local people under their exploration license. He said if any such agreement existed his ministry could help in making sure the company fulfilled its own part of the bargain.
Sharka said his ministry was still waiting to meet the MP and the community leaders to discuss their concerns.
The town chief of Sulima, the main base of the company, Siaka Massaquoi said they had held “several meetings with the company and are observing them as they undertake their exploration work.” He said so far, they had no serious problems with the company.
Other community people we spoke to on condition of anonymity said they were concerned that their fishing activities were being seriously disputed by the exploration stressing that they had complained to their MP about this but that no action had so far been taken.
