Mangochi people empowered to dare mining companies
People from Traditional Authority (T/A) Mponda in Mangochi have been urged to guard against abuses by mining companies operating in their areas.
Qadria Muslim Association of Malawi (Qmam) said this on Tuesday during a meeting with communities, civil society organisations (CSOs) and government officials to discuss how best natural resources can benefit people.
Mining in Mangochi is conducted at Njereza in T/A Mponda by Cement Products Limited (CPL).
Qmam project officer Biswas Ismael advised communities to be alert and report abuses to relevant authorities, citing, among others, land grabbing.
He said: “People’s rights on land issues are slowly being violated due to the influx of foreign mining companies which promise heaven when the project commences, but in the long run, projects have a negative impact on lives of people surrounding the mining company.
“Therefore, I urge you the residents to start taking to task mining companies who fail to walk the talk.”
Speaking on behalf of the communities, chairperson of the community action groups, Kenneth Mbewe, thanked Qmam for orienting them, saying the sensitisation they gained from the meeting would help them summon mining companies who fail to implement what they promised.
Funded by Tilitonse, Qmam is implementing Tonse Tipindule Project in T/A Mponda to sensitise people on their rights on mining. n
