Deputy Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Umaru Napoleon Koroma who has been a strong advocate for citizens to enjoy maximum benefits from minerals extracted in their communities has joined other government functionaries to launch projects funded by the Diamond Area Community Development Fund (DACDF) in Kenema, Bo, Kenema and Pujehun.

Established by the Government of Sierra Leone, the DACDF  Fund seeks to enforce the policy that  proceeds generated from the country’s natural resources are effectively utilized to develop the communities they are extracted from.

The initiative, designed by the Tejan Kabbah led administration has been hailed by many as an effective governance strategy, fostering local development, enhancing local infrastructure to improve the general wellbeing of citizens. In equal measure, the initiative can also significantly discourage illicit mining accross Sierra Leone.

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During the launch, a female Paramount Chief from Kenema, PC Theresa Vibbie made a startling revelation that points to how mining proceeds had gone to benefit only few people in the past.

“In the past, these monies were given to us with no instructions and we decided whatever we want to do with it…”

The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources had initially requested communities to develop and present viable project proposals which were subsequently approved following the  disbursement of funds to the respective communities.