CCJP Slap Government over Kayelekera Mine

By: Mathews Mfune

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), a civil rights arm of the Catholic Church in Karonga Diocese has urged the government to come out clearly on how Kayelekera Mine will benefit Malawians.

CCJP desk officer for Karonga Diocese Mwayi Shawa said this on Thursday during a workshop with the aim of Capacity assessment of District Stakeholders on Mining advocacy

Shawa said it is a disgrace that since the mine of Kayelekera was established Malawians have not yet benefited.

“Some have benefited but are few, we expected that money that comes from mines goes direct to development systems which it neutralized to provide social services but as of now there is no anyone to have benefited,” Shawa said

He further faulted the procedure and mining law in the country saying it’s not clearly understood hence need to be reviewed.

Shawa added,”The problem is that we don’t have mining process act which was adopted in 2014 and Malawians have not participated in managing natural resource and we will not benefit unless the law of mining is reviewed”

“My appeal to government is that they should come out with a clear law that will make sure that Malawians are taking part in mining. I know it’s a long process to change the law but as CCJP will work with the government to make sure that we are benefitting with Kayelekera mine.

In his remarks representative from Youth Organization James Banda concurred with Shawa saying that the project has brought untold misery in his area.

“We had dreams that this area would transform and people would benefit from the minerals but these are just dashed hopes,” explained Banda.

Among organization that took part in the meeting were Youths,Women Groups from Karonga ,Community Based Organizations (CBOs)among others.

CCJP strive to advance for the truth and justice and ensure that all people of Malawi benefit from the commercialization of the countries natural resources.