By Alieu Amara Suwu
The government of Sierra Leone through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources has paid surface rent to Kingho Railway and Port concession land owners.
Pursuant to the requirement for the grant of a Railway and Port License in relation to Kingho Railway and Port Company’s obligation prescribed in section 3 (4A) of the Mines and Minerals Act, 2009 for surface rent, the company through the Ministry of Mines has on the 8th and 9th paid two years surface rents for the area contained in the surface rent agreement.
A total of Seven Hundred and Seventy One million eight hundred and sixty-three point Sixty Leones (771,863.60) is paid to railway communities in Port Loko and Bombali, Northern Province of Sierra Leone.
The event held at the Port Loko District Council and Makeni District Council brought together stakeholders from the 11 Railway chiefdoms, including Simiria, Dansogoia, Marampa, Maforki, Bakeh Loko, Romende, Makari, Gbanti, Safroko Limba, Lokomsama and Kamasondo to receive their two years surface rent money.
During the event, Judith Kosseh, Director of Community Affairs for Leone Rock Metal Group, stated that the Company works closely with the community and will always fulfill its obligations to the people of this country especially those in the operational areas. She said the company considers the community to be an important part of its success and a lot of packages await operational communities ranging from CSR to CDAP projects.
In response to the payment, Honourable Abdul Karim Kamara of Constituency 069, thanked the Company for indeed upholding to end to the agreement. Hon Kamara urged the landowners to use the funds wisely, to invest in development projects that will strengthen their communities.
During his remarks, Kamasondo Chiefdom Paramount Chief echoed the voices of all paramount chiefs present by saying that the payment of the surface rent demonstrates that Kingho is committed to its obligations.
Sarty Kamara, National Mineral Agency representative, thanked the company and clearly explained that Leone Rock Metal Group will not cease to amaze him, for they have been making tireless contributions to developing communities. He extended thanks to the leadership of LRMG for being progressive to making that dream a reality for rail chiefdoms.
Abu Abu, Resident Minister for Northeast, said the positive strives of LRMG is unmatched by many, adding that a huge payment of surface rent is not a surprise to him because he has seen a lot of things Leone Rock has delivered so surface rent is not one.
Timothy Kabba, Minister of Mines and Mineral Resource, stated that they are pushing the mining sector to benefit the general populace than the Government and that is why he is so desirous to achieve the fight of surface rent payment. Minister Kabba said that Leone Rock Metal Group is undergoing constraints but they are maximizing the interest of their people. He advised all chiefdoms present not to interrupt the activities of the Company since they have been given the legal right of the Company to operate thus they need the social right to operate freely.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary announced the following payment in New Leones: Simiria 24,000.00, Dansogoia 54,482.00, Marampa 24,000.00, Maforki 62,961.94, Bekeh Loko 25,716.86, Romende 55,641.60, Makari 51,612.00, Gbanti 20,644.80, Safroko Limba 40,958.40, Lokomasama 51,846.00 and Kamasondo 360,000.00.
The money is said to be divided as follows: Landowners 50%, Paramount Chiefs 15%, District Council 15%, Chiefdom Administration 10% and Constituency Development Fund 10%.
