NU communities lobby Nyala licence extension

Communities surrounding Chimwadzulu Mines in Ntcheu have asked government to extend Nyala Mines Limited mining licence for continued development of their area.

Speaking at Katsekera during a meeting organised by  Tonse Tipindule Club— an organisation which promotes increased inclusion and accountability in Malawi’s mining sector—Traditional Authority (T/A) Mpando called on government to extend Nyala Mines Limited licence to enable the company continue its development work.

“Nyala has, among others, sunk boreholes, constructed school blocks, teachers’ houses, expanded the storeroom and dispensary at the local clinic,” he said.

Ntcheu West legislator Reverend Mwai Kamuyambeni said the community, chiefs and Tonse Tipindule members to brief him about their desire to lobby government to extend Nyala mining licence.

“It seems people are satisfied with what Nyala is doing here. However, I have invited the Parliamentary Committee on Environment to visit the community to see what is happening,” he said.

Nyala Mines project geologist Thomas Mussa-Mbewe said the company established Dzonze District Development Fund (DDDF) in 2008 to raise funds for projects that benefit local communities.

“Nyala Mines through DDDF has budgeted over $1million (K733 million)for various projects until 2020,” he said. n