The Baikodu-Tolukuma access road has been identified as priority among all Government committed infrastructure projects contained in the revised Tolukuma Gold Mine memorandum of agreement (MOA).
Mining Minister Byron Chan said this during the MOA signing ceremony last week.
Chan announced that the Government has committed K3.7 million in infrastructure projects towards the mine affected area, with K1.5 million earmarked for the access road.
“We open up the road to allow the industrious people of Goilala to bring their produce to market, their mothers and fathers to work, their sick to the hospitals, and their children to schools – that is development at its best,” said Chan.
“I am directing the Managing Director of MRA to make sure this road access must remain priority number one.”
Asidokona, operators of the Tolukuma Gold Mine, said they took the initiative to open up and widen the access road only as allowable by law.
Executive Director Vincent Siow said under the revised MOA and through cooperation, he hopes the access road can be fully developed, not only for the mine’s operations but for the local people as well.
“With the road, believe me, I can see progress in the Goilala area,” said Siow.
“The economy will pick up, the livelihood of people will improve and I think it will be a massive benefit.
“Though some people will say no, but believe me, give yourself five years, it will come,” he added.