Mangochi: Malawi Economic Justice Network – MEJN held a stakeholder meeting on 12th August 2021 at Jafali Lodge in Mangochi in a bid to end inequality and whopping loss of million Kwachas in the mining sector.
Speaking during the interface meeting, the Chairperson of Natural Resources Justice Network (NRJN) in Malawi, Mr. Kossam Munthali, observed that corruption in the mining sector is eroding the revenue of the country.
“Malawi is struggling in issues of mining because of corruption. Let us help the government to move forward. Mangochi should start taking charge in minerals extracted within the district,” he pleaded.
Chief Mining Engineer in the Ministry of Mining, department of mines Mzuzu office, George Maneya, the main speaker of the day, affirms that the Ministry is spearheading the functional review exercise even at the district level.
“We are undertaking a planned functional review and decentralization of the functions of the Ministry to all mineral hotspot districts including Mangochi, the establishment of integrity committee aimed at coordinating anti-corruption efforts with the mining sector,” he affirmed.
Maneya said the government through the ministry of mining is implementing several initiatives to revamp the sector. Some initiatives are namely; the revision and gazetting of the new license and services fees in the sector, establishment of a structured market through Reserve Bank; establishment of the Mining Regulatory Authority to regulate the mining sector; rehabilitation and refurbishment of analytical laboratories in the country.
“I must emphasize all these initiatives including the establishment of Integrity Committee aimed at coordinating anti-corruption efforts with the Ministry of Mining are aimed at aligning the mineral sector.”
In his presentation and responding to queries from chiefs present during the interface meeting, Manager for Gold Buying Initiatives Export Development Fund, Fredric Chanza, cemented on the opening of the gold market throughout the country.
“Following the directives from the government through Reserve Bank, gold markets will be created across the country by September for example Liwonde in Machinga and here in Mangochi,” he assured.
Program Officer of MEJN, Richard Chiputula, acknowledged that MEJN is running a 4 – year project in Mangochi and at the national level in fighting social and economic inequalities in education, health, social security and extractive sectors with funding from Norad through NCA- DCA program. It aims at enhancing the responsiveness of duty bearers to the right holder’s demand for fair and equitable financing and distribution of resources.
Several stakeholders including Natural Resources & Justice Network in Malawi (NRJN) Malawi, Malawi Volunteer Organization, APAM, MAMA & QMAM, CCJP, Reserve Bank, Traditional leaders, the civil society, and government representatives participated in the plenary for fair and equitable financing and distribution of resources.
Malawi has abundant and diverse mineral resources including uranium, niobium, tantalum, bauxite, coal, limestone, graphite, heavy mineral sands, vermiculite, kaolinitic clay, phosphate, iron, ore, pyrite, silica sand, gemstones, gypsum, etc. Based on the recent reconnaissance and geophysical studies, the country has also potential for oil and gas. Currently, mining contributes about 1% to the GDP. When all upcoming mining projects are in full operation, the government of Malawi expects 20 % rise to the GDP.
Jailos Mpina Luntha TV