The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has embarked on a dialogue process between community members, government and the investor so that justice prevails in the Extractive Industries of the country.
In a position paper for extractive Industry in Malawi, CCJP's Mzuzu Diocesan Secretary, Alnord Msimuko, citing specific area of Kanyika in Mzimba where Global Metals and Mining Company embarked on exploitation of samples for the mining project; stated that the community members have expressed concern over delays by both government and the company in compensating and relocate them to another place.
He said that about 244 families have been affected by the relocation process after the government of Malawi granted exploration license to Globe Metals and Mining Company at Kanyika.
He said that the Catholic Bishops of Malawi in their Pastoral letter applauded the Government for embarking on development initiatives that taking place in the country including mining. However, cautioned it to ensure that exploitation of these resources does not negatively affect the wellbeing of the local communities of the respective areas.
“Because of this problem, Mzuzu CCJP has decided to capacitate the community members (Rights holders) to defend and claim their rights," Msimuko said.
According to him, CCJP is however saddened to observe that the government and the mining company are taking too long to finalize the compensation process; a situation which has negatively affected the livelihood of the people in the area.
"CCJP is not blocking the government to issue a mining license to Globe Metals and Mining Company, all we want is for the government to speed up the process so that those people earmarked for resettlement are justly compensated," he said.
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| Mr. Success Sikwese CCJP National Extractive Project Officer |
CCJP's National Extractive Project Officer, Mr. Success Sikwese said it is of the interest of the Catholic Church in the country to see that the government and Globe Metals come out and tell people the current position as regards the Kanyika Mine-saying it is also important that people of Kanyika are told the truth on issues of compensation and resettlement hence the reason for organizing a media tour for journalists to witnessing the challenges faced by the communities.
He said with the support from the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), CCJP will strive to advance for the truth and justice through a project called "Transparency Initiative with Our Natural Resources"(TIWONE) that aims at ensuring that all people of Malawi benefit from the commercialization of the countries natural resources.
Meanwhile, the Kanyika Communities have issued an ultimatum that until the end of March this year, the mining company should move away from their area or unspecified action will follow.
By Prince Henderson, ECM Communications Officer