Lunsar Residents Continue to Suffer as SL Mining Remained CloseL
UNSAR (TV-New24) – The closure of the SL Mines commonly Marampa Mines in Lunsar Marampa Chiefdom, Port Loko district, is apparently devastating many people in the community.
Thousands of people here are still jobless and couldn’t afford even adequate meal nor care for their family members.Sierra Leone Mining Company employed about 3,500 people.Ibrahim Fefegula, an elderly man, says they’re suffering as their children who cares for them are unemployed because of the mines closure – which was a main source of income in Lunsar as it provides thousands of jobs for the population.
“I cannot work. I am seventy-four years old. When my son was employed, I used to get my meal but the closure of the mines has made me zero,” Fefegula says.
The suspension of the mines was done when Pres. Julius Maada Bio came to power. His government suspended several mines across the country – that had entered into earlier contracts with the previous administration of Ernest Bai Koroma.However, Khingho Iron Ore Mining Company, one of those suspended operating in the Tonkolili and Port Loko districts, have had its suspension lifted.But SL Mining – haven seen an unwillingness to lift its ban – took the government to court.
Lunsar is a strong APC – main opposition stronghold – and many believe the government’s actions towards the mines were politically motivated.
Resident Minister North West region Hon. Haja Isata Abdulai Kamara told TV-News24 on the phone that she can’t comment on the issue since it is before the court.Gibril Gottor reporting…More details to follow…WATCH THIS SPACE!!!
