Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-29 17:09:10
Residents of Kilifi County are currently celebrating Easter with a sense of optimism and hope, thanks to a recent agreement between the National Government and the County Government that promises significant benefits for the Ganze area. This positive development comes after fruitful discussions that took place on Friday, March 29, where a Chinese investor was granted a three-year license for a multi-billion mining prospect in the region.
Initially, there were concerns among Kilifi residents regarding the potential displacement without proper compensation that could result from the mining activities in the area. However, the County Governor, Gideon Mung’aro, reassured the residents that they would profit from the Ksh950 million mineral royalties and additional explorations in the region. This commitment from the government aimed to address the fears and uncertainties of the local community.
Mining Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya expressed the government’s determination to leverage revenue from investors in mining projects to bolster the country’s economy. He emphasized the ongoing reforms in the Ministry aimed at maximizing the contribution of the mining sector to the nation’s economic development. The government’s decision to grant the investor a prospective license rather than a mining license signifies a strategic move to ensure sustainable and mutually beneficial operations in the region.
The local residents welcomed the government’s intervention, especially considering the historical exploitation of mineral resources in Ganze without commensurate benefits to the community. The government’s revocation of previously issued licenses in 2019 underscored its commitment to prioritize the rights and interests of the people. The proceeds generated from the mining project would be channeled towards funding various projects in the area, thereby enhancing local development and prosperity.
Governor Mung’aro pledged to collaborate with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to ensure the comprehensive collection of revenue from the mining projects, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the utilization of resources. The residents of Kilifi, who have previously expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of mining activities in the area, were reassured by the government’s proactive measures to safeguard their rights and well-being.
In light of past incidents such as the development of a wide crack in Marere, damaging the road in the Jaribuni ward of Ganze constituency in 2019, the government’s intervention in regulating mining activities was seen as a crucial step towards preventing similar occurrences. The collaboration between the National Government and the County Government in addressing the concerns of the local community and promoting responsible mining practices reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth in Kilifi County.
Overall, the truce between the National Government and the County Government in Kilifi County has paved the way for a more prosperous and harmonious future for the residents of the Ganze area. By ensuring that mining activities are conducted in a transparent, accountable, and sustainable manner, the government is poised to unlock the full potential of the region’s mineral resources for the benefit of all stakeholders. As Kilifi residents celebrate Easter, they do so with renewed optimism and confidence in the positive impact of the recent agreement on their lives and the development of their community.
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