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Hon. Jawah Sesay, a popular All People’s Congress (APC) Member of Parliament representing Sambaia, Dansogia, and Kalanthuba Chiefdoms in the Tonkolili District, has expressed deep frustration over the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government’s failure to release the Mining District Development Fund (MDDF) allocated for his district.
The fund, crucial for the development of non-mining communities in mining districts, has reportedly not been paid since the enactment of the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022.
In his statement, Hon. Jawah Sesay pointed to the specific provisions of the 2022 Mines and Minerals Development Act, particularly sections 141 and 144, which establish the Community Development Agreement Fund (CDA) and the Mining District Development Fund, respectively.
According to Hon. Sesay, these funds were meant to support communities impacted by mining activities, as well as chiefdoms within the district that do not host mining operations.
“The Community Development Agreement Fund, which is 1% of the total sales made by mining companies, should be directed to the affected communities,” Hon. Sesay explained.
“Meanwhile, 20% of the government royalties from these mining activities are supposed to go into the Mining District Development Fund, intended for the entire district’s development.”
He further stressed that, while mining companies like Leone Rock have been compliant in paying their dues, covering surface rent, the CDA, and royalties to the government, the SLPP-led government has failed to disburse the MDDF to Tonkolili District since 2022.
“It has now been three years since the Community Development Agreement Fund payments have been due, and the Mining District Development Fund is yet to be seen,” Hon. Sesay lamented.
The Tonkolili district, which hosts significant mining activities, remains largely underdeveloped despite the contributions of the mining sector to government revenues.
This, according to Hon. Sesay, has left the people of his district feeling abandoned and frustrated by the government’s lack of transparency and commitment to ensuring equitable distribution of funds meant for development.
“As a Member of Parliament representing the people of Tonkolili, I now call on the SLPP government, particularly the Minister of Mines, to tell us where our Mining District Development Fund is,” he demanded.
“Tonkolili District is falling behind in terms of development, and we deserve answers.”
The delay in the disbursement of these funds has raised concerns about the government’s management of mining revenues and its commitment to the equitable development of mining-affected regions.
Hon. Sesay’s call for accountability has struck a chord with many in his district, who hope for swift action to address their development needs.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the SLPP government to respond to these claims and ensure that the people of Tonkolili receive their fair share of the country’s mining wealth.
