BY SHABAN OMAR
Over 1,600 employees of Base Titanium, who are set to be affected by the mine’s closure in Kwale County, can now breathe a sigh of relief after the national government assured them of support.
The mining company, expected to cease operations in December due to the depletion of mineral resources in the area, had recently announced phased staff redundancies.
The largest wave of layoffs was slated for the end of this year, followed by further reductions in March and June of the following year.
During a visit to the Kwale mine site, Mining Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho said that the government is working diligently to ensure that affected employees are cushioned and supported during and after the closure.
“Our focus in this conversation is on what we can collectively do to cushion our brothers and sisters who will lose their jobs following the mine’s closure as we look for other operations elsewhere,” he said.
Joho said the government cares about its people and that it will ensure those declared redundant are sustained through various initiatives.
He said that discussions are underway on how to potentially utilize the land and infrastructure left behind after the mine’s closure to benefit the local communities.
Joho said their aim is to explore various livelihood opportunities that can support both the community living in the area and those affected by the company’s shutdown.
The CS said that the land holds significant potential and, if properly utilized, could transform the area’s economy and improve the living standards of the local people.
“There is tremendous potential in this area. We can develop forests, farms, and livestock feed production, use the dam water for domestic purposes, and even establish hotels that can create employment for our people,” he said.
Joho assured that each stakeholder will be included in contributing views on the post-mining land use.
However, he cautioned against politicizing the Post-Mine Land Use (PMLU) committee, which was launched earlier this year by former Mining CS Salim Mvurya.
The committee, comprising over 19 members and chaired by Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, is tasked with overseeing the implementation and development of the mined land.
Since the PMLU committee’s unveiling, it has faced sharp criticism from some community members and activists, who have voiced concerns about being excluded from the process.
According to Joho, while not everyone can be part of the committee, there is room for all voices to be heard and their views considered.
“I will accommodate any concerns related to the post-closure discussions, but I will not entertain politics on matters as important as this,” he said.
Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo said both the county and national governments are committed to ensuring that the Post-Mining Land Use Committee achieves its objectives, with particular focus on considering the views of local communities.
He also urged the public to avoid incitement and not to exploit the issue of post-mining land use to sow division and disunity among the people.
Kombo said as the Mining Company closes operations, the focus is on those who will be losing jobs.
Kombo reiterated that any decisions made regarding post-mining land use would prioritize the well-being of the surrounding communities and those whose lives would be impacted by the mine’s closure.
He said that the aim is to ensure the affected people benefit from the outcomes of the process.
Kombo assured that a thorough public participation would be conducted for all stakeholders to give views and ensure effective and inclusive decision-making regarding post-mining land use.
Kwale Senator Issa Boi reassured Base Titanium employees that everything would be fine, emphasizing that both national and local leaders are standing with them.
He noted that as leaders, they are actively exploring ways to support the workers and cushion them from the potential effects of joblessness following the mine’s closure.
“Don’t panic, we will walk with you on this journey together until you find another opportunity,” said Boi.
He said as leaders they are committed to supporting Base Titanium employees to transit smoothly without feeling the burden of unemployment.
Kwale Women Representative Fatuma Masito pledged her support for the workers expected to be laid off as Base Titanium winds down its operations.
As a woman leader, she expressed her understanding of the pain many families will endure due to the closure.
Masito assured that she would collaborate with other leaders to find sustainable solutions to help the affected communities and workers facing redundancy.
