1 Comment 
Despite its rich natural resources, especially gold, many residents of Tonkolili District live in poverty.
In addition, while the district hosts a significant number of local and foreign mining companies, including Leone Rock Metal Group, the majority of its residents remain poor and marginalised.
The stark contrast between the district’s rich resources and the poverty experienced by its people raises important questions about resource management, environmental protection, and community engagement.
The roads leading to mining communities are in a deplorable state, with the Mile 91-Magburaka Road and the Yele-Matotoka Road being prime examples. The neglect of infrastructure development in these areas is a testament to the lack of attention given to the needs of the local population. The residents of Tonkolili District are crying out for better living conditions, but their voices seem to fall on deaf ears.
The situation is further exacerbated by the seeming complicity of local authorities, including Paramount Chiefs, from the mining areas. Rather than advocating for the rights and interests of their people, they appear to be part of the problem. The result is a district being mined without respect for the rights of the locals. Rivers are polluted, and residents are forced to drink dirty water, further compounding the health challenges faced by the community.
The Tonkolili District Council, which ought to be a vocal advocate for the community, seems silenced in the face of this adversity. The lack of effective governance and oversight has created an environment where the exploitation of resources is prioritised over the well-being of the people.
As the people of Tonkolili District continue to suffer, stakeholders must take a closer look at the situation and work towards finding solutions. The district’s rich resources should be a blessing, not a curse. It is time for the authorities to prioritise the needs of the local population and ensure that the benefits of mining are shared equitably. The people of Tonkolili deserve better.
Let’s bring about change and ensure that Tonkolili’s natural resources translate to prosperity for all its residents.
There is too much reliance on things in the ground, meanwhile a solid system of governance education and reliable families is lacking. Like a dropout deciding that being a bike rider will solve all his problems.