BY: PROBLYN J. ALPHA
Koidu Limited Mining Company operating in Tankoro Chiefdom, Kono District has paid a surface rent of Nine hundred and Sixty Million, Three hundred and Twenty Two thousand, Four hundred and two Leones (Le 960,322,402.00) for 2022 to its host mining community at a ceremony held at the Thomas Saquee Resource Centre Koedoyoma section in Koidu City.
Sources from the Mining company say the said surface rent payment is shared as follows: 50% ( 480,161,201.00) to the Land owners, 10% ( 960,322,402.00) to the Tankoro Chiefdom administration, 15% ( Le 144,483.600) to the Paramount Chief of Tankoro Chiefdom P.C. Paul Gaba Saquee 10% ( 960, 322. 402.00) to the Kono District Council and 10% ( 960, 322. 402.00) as constituency Development Fund (CDF).
Making a statement on behalf of his colleague Paramount Chiefs in Kono District, the Chairman, Council of Paramount Chiefs, Kono District P.C. Emmanuel Tamba Torche Foyoh described the day as a mile stone between the Mining Company and the people of Kono District. He vividly recalled years back when the relationship between the company and the people of Kono District especially Tankoro Chiefdom was very hostile but thanked God for the healthy working relationship that now exists between the company and the people in the District.
Chief Foyoh lauded the management of Koidu Limited for moving from a mining company to that of a development partner owing to its developmental interventions in Kono District and the Country as a whole and therefore implored them to do more.
The Chairman, Council of Paramount Chiefs in Kono District concluded by pleading with all and sundry to be of help to the operations of the company that is by creating a friendly working environment. On his part the Chief administrator of the Koidu New Sembehun City Council Francis Meshach Teva foremost reechoed the promise made by the Mayor Komba Matthew Sam who was unavoidably absent that is the Judicious use of the proceeds of the surface rent whenever paid.
He commended the management of Koidu Limited for being approachable and developmentally oriented and urged them not to relent.
Kai Lebbie is the Manager for the National Minerals Agency Kono District in his statement, he intimated the audience that plans are underway by the Agency to review the existing mining laws as for far too long miners have been crying that their mining activities do not benefit them.
Mr. Lebbie maintained that the said surface rent payment is 0. 75% proceeds of diamonds sold that the government mandates every mining company to pay to its host mining community or communities for developmental purposes. He therefore urged the recipients of the surface rent paid to use the monies judiciously and to the management of the Koidu limited, he thanked them also for fulfilling the mining regulations of the land.
The NMA Kono District manager concluded by highlighting the following as the importance of the operations of Koidu Limited in the District and the Country as a whole: The payment of surface rent, creation of employment and the company performing it cooperate Social Responsibilities (CRS) to name but a few. Officially presenting the Cheques to the beneficiary individuals and institutions the acting general Manager and community development Officer Koidu Limited Van Eden and Henry Vagg expressed delight for fulfilling what the mining regulations say.
They intimated the audience that apart from the payment of the said surface rent, the company was also going to do the following for the Koidu School for the Blind; erection of perimeter fence and walk way steps, pavement of classrooms, creation of recreational facilities and for the Koidu New Sembehun City Council an additional seventy Million Leones was paid to improve on the present deplorable condition of the Gbense Market the Ceremony was chaired by the host Mining community Paramount P.C. Paul Gaba Saquee.
