By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
In a move to bolster the government’s commitment to job creation, Sierra Leone’s Labor Minister, Mohamed Rado Swaray, recently visited the Koidu Limited mining company in Kono District, engaging with both management and staff to address a range of concerns.
The visit, which took place on June 21st, 2024, is part of the Minister’s ongoing engagement tour, following a similar site visit to the Leone Rock mining company. The tour aims to align the ministry’s efforts with President Bio’s pledge to provide 500,000 decent jobs for Sierra Leonean citizens, particularly the youth.
During the collaborative session at Koidu Limited, a long-standing mining company involved in kimberlite extraction, Minister Swaray emphasized the importance of regular site visits to address the concerns of workers at all levels, from junior to senior staff and management.
The agenda for the visit began with a detailed presentation from the company’s management, highlighting both the successes and challenges faced by the operation. The challenges, as noted by the management, largely stemmed from the volatile exchange rate and the reduction in diamond and mineral prices due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
In response, the Minister encouraged the local staff to freely voice their concerns, reassuring them that there would be no repercussions for speaking up. This open dialogue led to a range of issues being raised, including the rising cost of living, transportation costs, risk allowances, salary increases for underground workers, and the need for improved medical care and training programs.
“The Minister brilliantly and comprehensively spoke to all the issues highlighted by junior and senior workers,” a management representative noted, acknowledging the concerns and committing to address them as soon as practicable.
The visit marks a significant step in the government’s efforts to foster a more transparent and collaborative relationship between labor, management, and the broader workforce. By directly engaging with workers and addressing their concerns, the Labor Minister aims to pave the way for the creation of sustainable and decent employment opportunities, in line with President Bio’s ambitious job creation goals.
