By Anthony Zoka
Kaliangombe residents in Rabai, Kilifi County, have raised alarm over the increased mining activities in the area without following the legal guidelines by investors.
Led by Tsimba Mkamba Benyoka they claim mining activities in the area endanger their lives and properties through the use of explosives.
Benyoka noted that some are forced to abandon their homes due to damaged walls with efforts to compensate the affected individuals proving to be a hard nut to crack.
“Efforts to have the investors in the area address our plea through the committees that are entitled to act as bridge between the investors and the community, are yet to yield the required results.” Claimed Benyoka.
The residents claim despite the area being home for most mining companies in the area, the local community are yet to feel the presence of the companies calling for interventions from authorities to force the investors to work as per the legal guideline.
According to Said Charo, Kaliang’ombe is feeling the pressure of closure of Jaribuni quarries, a move that has increased the use of explosives from the investors to meet the demand for construction materials.
“ We have come to our area deputy county commissioner, and handed over a petition with eleven demands from Kaliang’ombe residents who had planned to go to the streets to air their view. We trust this process will give the required results.” Revealed Charo.
Charo claimed that most companies in the area are yet to comply fully with the recommendations of the environmental impact assessment reports calling on the area DCC to coordinate and have all stakeholders to take their responsibilities full.
Rabai sub county deputy county commissioner, Joseph Lenkarie, thanked Kaliang’ombe leaders for raising the concerns on behalf of the community.
Lenkarie assured Kaliang’ombe and Rabai community of their commitment in ensuring they get quality services by involving all the stakeholders in case of any challenge.
The administrator maintained the need to have all investors in the area work within the stipulated guidelines as well as give back to the community through Corporate Social Responsibilities.
“Our work is coordination to ensure every stakeholder is comfortable, in this background we are going to have a stakeholder meeting on 25th March, 2025 and dialogue on the way forward as raised by Kaliang’ombe sublocation leaders.” Revealed the DCC.
According to Lenkarie the meeting will give a room for the community members, investors and other government agencies to have it public the reports and authenticity of all the mining companies in the area.
