Centre for Environmental Policy and Advocacy (Cepa) has established a District Multi-Stakeholder Group in Phalombe District to strengthen transparency, accountability and community participation in mining governance.
Speaking after a two-day orientation workshop on Friday in Phalombe, Cepa programme officer Cliff Kawerani said the formation of the group is timely following the government’s decision to decentralise mining operations to district councils.
| Maggie Tembo
“The decentralisation of mining means districts now have a bigger role to play. This platform will provide space for government, civil society, the private sector and communities to discuss and resolve mining challenges at local level,” he said.
Kawerani said poor coordination and lack of information have in the past led to conflicts between mining companies and communities in various districts.
He said that the group will also help monitor compliance with environmental and social standards by mining companies operating in Phalombe.
Participants at the workshop included Phalombe District Council officials, representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, civil society organisations and mining companies operating in the district.
Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation representative Leonard Mushani hailed Cepa for the initiative, saying most mining activities have direct impact on local communities.
“With the District Multi-Stakeholder Group in place, we expect better oversight and improved governance of the extractive sector at district level. We want communities to benefit from the mining activities,” he said.
Phalombe District Civil Society Organisations Network vice-chairperson Linda Alimoso said the platform will give communities a stronger voice in decisions that affect their land and livelihoods.
“For a long time communities have been left out. This will ensure that people are consulted and that mining benefits trickle down to them,” he said.
The workshop was held under Cepa’s Strengthening Inclusive Governance for the Extractive Sector in Malawi for Just Energy Transition project with financial support from Bread for the World
