By: Problyn J. Alpha
As part of its corporate social responsibility scheme, the management of Koidu Limited mining company has built a new market space or Luma facility for the people of the resettlement community in Koidu City and Kono district as a whole.
Officially opening and handing over the aforementioned facility to the people of Kono District,the general manager Koidu Limited company Venmulenum expressed delight for the friendly environment the company is operating.
He said it is mandatory on them as a responsible Mining company to fulfill their cooperate social responsibility.
The general manager Koidu Limited Mining Company further thanked the Paramount Chief of Tankoro Chiefdom P.C Paul N. Saquee and his people for creating the enabling environment for them to work and implored them to continue with such healthy working relationship.
He disclosed plans by the management of the company to give more to Kono Community whenever funds are available. Making a statement the Mayor of the Koidu New Sembehun City Council his Worship Komba Mathew Sam foremost described the ceremony as a mile stone in the history of Kono District.
He noted that the provision of the new market place or Lumar facility is a felt need and thanked the management of Koidu Limited Mining Company for the construction of the said facility.
He pointed out that the importance of the facility provided by the management of Koidu Limited Mining Company cannot be overemphasized as it will serve as an alternative market to the only Gbense General market in Koidu City and the usual Mondays Lumor at the Konomanyi Lorry park.
According to the Mayor Koidu New Sembehun City Council the Market space or Lumor constructed will now address the problem of congestion at the only general Gbense Market in the Municipality of Koidu and therefore urged the users of the facility to take good care of it.
On her part the honourable member of parliament representing constituency 029 in Tankoro Chiefdom Kono District Hon. Rebecca Yei Sam underscored the importance of market places as they do not only benefit market women but their respective families because it is where they trade and support their family members.
According to her the construction and handing over of the aforementioned facility has strongly left her with the strongest conviction that Diamonds are blessings and not a course as previously perceived by many people. She intimated the audience that the new mines and minerals act which is about to be enacted will change for the good the host mining communities. Hon. Sam thanked Koidu Limited Mining Company for being supportive to most of the development activities in the municipality of Koidu and Kono District as a whole and implored them to do more. For the new market facility to serve its purpose the law maker appealed to the management of Koidu Limited Mining Company for the provision of Micro –Finance for the users of the provided facility.
Paramount Chief Paul N. Saquee is the first gentleman of Tankoro Chiefdom Kono District when making a statement he maintained that the day marked the official opening of both the said market facility and a resource centre which was also constructed by the proceeds of the Koidu Limited Mining Operations.
He thanked all for attending the ceremony especially the Koidu Limited Mining Company for such bench marks in the district and urged them not to relent.
Paramount Chief N. Saquee further intimated the audience that his leadership over the years has cemented a good working relationship between the company and his community people which prior to his elections as the paramount chief was very hostile.
He pleaded with all and Sundry to provide the enabling working environment for the company to work.
Chief Saquee as he is fondly called pleaded with the management of the Koidu Limited Mining Company for the provision of market furniture like tables to ease their business transactions. He in a very strong terms noted that the market women at the New Kania market are to be relocated within two days at the newly constructed market place or they will have themselves to be blamed. Officially cutting the tape and handing over the newly constructed market or Lumor facility to the people of Kono District.
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources Keneil Lamin who represented the Minister of the above mentioned ministry foremost lauded the work done by the Koidu Limited Mining Company as it is in line with what his ministry stands for.
He thanked them for a job well done and urged them to do more. Mr. Lamin pointed out that the construction of the said facility is in fulfillment of section 115 one,1 F of the mines and mineral resources act for mining companies to benefit their operational areas.
He thanked Koidu Limited Mining Company for a job well done and urged the users of the said facility to use the facility so that their benefactor will be pleased to do more for them and the district as a whole.
