Business
PM Nabbanja issues ultimatum over Rubanda iron ore project compensation
Nabbanja also directed that the 30 percent disturbance allowance owed to the affected residents be paid immediately.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (2nd right) handing over 60 hectares of land to Devki Steel Mills Limited to pave the way for the commencement of the iron ore mining. (Photo by Nelson Ahimbisibwe)
By: Nelson Ahimbisibwe, Journalist @New Vision
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Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has issued a one-week ultimatum to authorities to resolve outstanding compensation issues involving the people affected by the planned iron ore mining in Rubanda district.
Specifically, the project is in Mufumba village in Butare-Katojo Town Council.
Nabbanja issued the ultimatum while handing over 60 hectares of land to Devki Steel Mills Limited to pave the way for the commencement of the iron ore mining.
The project is expected to create economic opportunities for communities in the mineral-rich district. However, more than 160 residents are set to be affected by the development, with compensation disputes delaying the project.
With this in mind, Nabbanja directed the lands ministry to expedite the compensation process, ordering officials to visit affected residents individually and verify their respective pieces of land.
She also directed that the 30 percent disturbance allowance owed to the affected residents be paid immediately.
She said the lands ministry must complete the verification and payment process within one week to prevent further delays to the mining project.
Meanwhile, Rubanda district chairperson Steven Kasyamba Ampeire raised concerns over the growing number of exploration licences being issued in the district by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
He said some individuals and companies holding exploration licences were operating without sufficient clarity about the nature and scope of their activities.
She also directed that the 30 percent disturbance allowance owed to the affected residents be paid immediately.
She said the lands ministry must complete the verification and payment process within one week to prevent further delays to the mining project.
Meanwhile, Rubanda district chairperson Steven Kasyamba Ampeire raised concerns over the growing number of exploration licences being issued in the district by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
He said some individuals and companies holding exploration licences were operating without sufficient clarity about the nature and scope of their activities.
His warning is that inadequate regulation and coordination could create misunderstandings and conflicts between licence holders and local communities.
Kasyamba called on the energy ministry to strengthen regulation of exploration activities and clearly define the scope of work for licence holders.
He also urged the ministry to improve coordination with district authorities and local residents to ensure that exploration activities are properly monitored and that communities are adequately informed.
Speaking at the handover, Devki Steel Mills Limited chairman Dr Raval Narendra said the company would prioritise local communities once mining operations begin.
He said the company intends to employ local residents and contribute to the development of social services in the area. It plans to also support community schools and extend electricity to surrounding communities as part of its contribution to local development.
The development of the iron ore project comes as Rubanda continues to attract interest from investors because of its mineral deposits. Authorities, however, face the challenge of balancing mineral development with timely compensation and protection of the interests of communities affected by mining activities.
Kasyamba called on the energy ministry to strengthen regulation of exploration activities and clearly define the scope of work for licence holders.
He also urged the ministry to improve coordination with district authorities and local residents to ensure that exploration activities are properly monitored and that communities are adequately informed.
Speaking at the handover, Devki Steel Mills Limited chairman Dr Raval Narendra said the company would prioritise local communities once mining operations begin.
He said the company intends to employ local residents and contribute to the development of social services in the area. It plans to also support community schools and extend electricity to surrounding communities as part of its contribution to local development.
The development of the iron ore project comes as Rubanda continues to attract interest from investors because of its mineral deposits. Authorities, however, face the challenge of balancing mineral development with timely compensation and protection of the interests of communities affected by mining activities.