By Wakisa Myamba
Karonga, September 14, Mana: Communities surrounding Kayelekera Uranium Mine in Karonga have hailed Lotus Resource Limited, a company that manages the mine, for its social responsibility initiatives in the area.
Speaking during a meeting organised by the communities with the aim of thanking the company for its development interventions, Group Village Head Kayerekera said Lotus Resource Limited is uplifting livelihoods of his people.
“Lotus Resource Limited has rehabilitated roads in the area, maintained teachers’ houses and gives payments to some teachers that were hired to supplement teaching in the community. Apart from that, the company has been making donations of desks and tables to schools in the area,” he said.
Primary Education Adviser (PEA) for Williro Zone, Tiyegze Gondwe Chibwayila asked Lotus Resource Limited for support towards completion of a Teachers Development Center (TDC), purchase of a printer and photocopier machine for the TDC and leveling of a netball and football ground in the area.
Manager for Lotus Resource Limited, Theo Keyter was pleased with the positive relationship that exists between the company and people in the community.
“I’m very much grateful for the good relations that we have with the community. Let me assure you that we will keep on providing social support to improve the livelihoods of local communities around Kayelekera Mine,” said Keyter.
He said his company is waiting for Malawi Government to sign a Mine Development Agreement before resuming production of uranium which stalled in 2014.
In an earlier interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda said government was reviewing the agreement before signing it.