Hon. Jawah Sesay to Lead Investigations into Illegal Mining in Tonkolili District

Hon. Jawah Sesay, an All People’s Congress (APC) Member of Parliament representing Sambaia, Dansogia, and Kalanthuba Chiefdoms in Tonkolili District, is set to lead a delegation of other MPs in launching a comprehensive investigation into illegal mining activities in the region

This decision follows numerous complaints from local residents about the severe environmental and health impacts of unregulated mining, particularly the contamination of the River Rokel, which has made access to clean drinking water increasingly difficult.

Hon. Sesay has vowed to thoroughly inspect all excavators and mining companies operating in the district to verify their licenses and ascertain the legality of their activities.

His investigation aims to identify operators lacking proper authorization and to understand where these companies obtained their licenses.

This initiative comes in response to recent unrest in Bumbuna, where six youths were injured and hospitalized following a violent confrontation linked to illegal mining.

Reports confirmed that the youths were attacked by individuals under the command of John B. Cole, the Youth Chairman of Dasogoia Chiefdom, who has been accused of engaging in illegal gold mining around the Rokel River.

Local residents have long voiced concerns about the detrimental effects of illegal mining on their water supply and overall health.

There are allegations that people within the community are backing these unlawful activities, further exacerbating the environmental damage and jeopardizing the health and safety of the local population.

In response to the escalating crisis, the members of Parliament has pledged to ensure that those responsible for the illegal mining and the recent violence are held accountable. The investigation by Hon. Sesay and team is expected to shed light on the extent of illegal mining in the district and bring much-needed regulation and accountability to the sector.

This developing story continues to unfold, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.