By: Mohamed M. Sesay
The Community Trading Company (CTC), has on Sunday the 29th of January 2023, paid a surface rent in the sum of Le 1.9 billion to locals of Maforki and Marampa Chiefdoms in Port Loko District, North Western Region.
In his address, the Country Manager for CTC Mining Company Sierra Leone Fassally Tawarallie, intimated that CTC is a Turkish based Mining Company which is now in Sierra Leone for the purpose of Bauxite mining in Port Loko District. He edified that Bauxite is a substance or an element needed for aluminum and steel production. He added that such mineral has been found in Port Loko for over 52 years.
“Bauxite is a Mineral which has been found in Port Loko District for over 52 years but today, we are here today to realize the mine the mineral and make it a reality in terms of production”, he said.
He also informed pressmen that the surface rent according to the 2009 Mining Act, subjects Mining Company to pay surface rent to locals in the community where the Mining Company intends to operate.
He assured that the company was hosted at the Port Loko District Council Hall in order to fulfil their promise in paying the surface rent in the tune of about Le 1.9 billion which is equivalent to $100,000 to locals of Maforki and Marampa Chiefdoms respectively.
Away from the surface rent, the Country Manager also assured locals that the company would definitely uphold their Community Development Agreement adding that, such agreement is at an advanced stage of implementation.
He also gave a glad tidings that the company would provide trainings for locals to be skilled so that they could work for the company.
He also assured that they would employ those locals with the requisite skills and qualifications to work for the company.
Fasssally Tarawallie equally intimated that the company is anticipating its maiden export in the next ninety days.
He said massive deployment of machinery and manpower has commenced in order to deliver for the people of Port Loko and for Sierra Leone by extension.
The Paramount Chief of Marampa Chiefdom, Port Loko District PC Bai Koblo Queen II, chiefly extended profound thanks and appreciation to President Bio for facilitating such desperate situation with a despite measures in this difficulty time.
He said the payment of the surface rent was an indelible mark in the lives of locals in the two chiefdoms.
He assured the primary host communities would surely benefit from the surface rent.
He said the payment of the surface rent is just the beginning of the many opportunities the company is going to give the locals such as livelihood support, job creation among others.
He concluded by assuring locals and Sierra Leoneans that the company is there to stay and that, they as local authorities would ensure the locals benefit from the opportunities.
The Resident Minister for North-Western Region who doubles as chairman of the event Alpha Kanu, expressed elation for the payment of the surface rent adding that, Port Loko has been waiting for 52 years for such opportunity.
He therefore, encouraged the locals and host paramount chiefs to support the company for a successful outcome.
He assured the company on behalf of President Bio’s led-government, that they have given their blessings for the operation of the company.
