Tolukuma landowners in Goilala, Central Province, have called on the Government to provide fixed dates as to when the commitments outlined in the revised mine deal will be implemented.
Chairman of the Tolukuma (Yulai) Landowner Association, George Gusi, said this following the signing of the revised memorandum of agreement.
Speaking to media after the signing, which Gusi refused to be a part of, he said he wanted to know when the commitments for infrastructure development would begin.
“They have to give me the fixed date before implementation,” said Gusi.
The Government has committed K3.7 million in infrastructure projects to affected landowners of the Tolukuma Gold Mine and are to be implemented within the three year term of the revised MOA.
The commitment has been broken down into the following infrastructure project:
- Tolukuma Highwy (Baikoidu – Tolukuma) – K1.5 million
- Tolukuma Resource Centre – K100,000
- Mondo Community School – K1.5 million
- Woitape LLG Council Chamber – K200,000
- Tolukuma Primary School upgrade – K400,000
The Baikodu-Tolukuma access road has been identified as a priority among all Government committed infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, Gusi said he will continue to challenge the government and developers.
“As a landowner, I’m fighting for my people’s rights because I am the one who is going to benefit.”
Meanwhile, Mineral Resources Authority Managing Director, Phillip Samar, says they will be holding discussions with the landowners to address any outstanding issues.