Community and engagement is important because it is primarily, part of a dialogue where organizations and communities can make decisions to create mutual impact in operational localities.
Therefore, constructive relationships between communities and institutions make community engagement not only desirable, but necessary and viable as it is likely to lead to more equitable, sustainable public decisions and improve the liveability of local communities.
Against this backdrop, Kingho Mining Company Limited operating the New Tonkolili Iron Ore Mines has on Wednesday 15th September 2021 concluded its community engagements with a stakeholder meeting at the relocated mining communities. The relocated communities are Ferengbeya, Wondugu and Foria all currently in Dansogoiachiefdom, Tonkolilidistrict, Northern Province of Sierra Leone.
Meanwhile, during the meeting, the host Paramount Chief of Dansogoiachiefdom, PC AlimamyBockarie Y. Koroma whilst welcoming stakeholders from the company and the community, spoke about the development the company has done in his chiefdom over the years and expressed optimism that with the creation of a new separate community department in the company, most of the concerns of the community will be swiftly addressed.
Henry Kamara of the National Minerals Agency (NMA), who was chairman of the occasion, during his opening remarks, spoke about the significance of community engagement. He thanked the community people for always choosing dialogue with the company instead of resulting into strife.
The chairman of the occasion allowed the community people to detail their challenges and how they want the company to address them.
On behalf of Kingho, Michael He, Director of Public Relations appreciated the community and their receptive attitude towards the company. He said “harmonious environment and closely-tied relationship with the community is the high priority of the company,” adding that the company wants to see progress and work with the communities.
Also, Director of Community Affairs, Madam Judith Kosseh said the company has held engagements in all its operational areas. He stressed that the meeting is to show that Kingho does not neglect Ferengbeya but because of the vastness of the operational communities, the company had to come there last.
She assured that the company will prioritise the welfare of the people of the operational communities and will continue to deliver more.
Meanwhile, it is worth noting that similar community engagement was done by the sister company, Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited in Port Loko District where they held engagement in the riverine communities in Kamasondochiefdom.
Kingho Mining Company Limited is a subsidiary company of Kingho Investment Company Limited. Kingho Mining is undertaking mining at the New Tonkolili Iron Ore Mines in Sambaia, Dasogoia and Simiria chiefdoms of Tonkolili district, Northern Province of Sierra Leone.
It was the Government of Sierra Leone which officially handed over the New Tonkolili Iron Ore Mining site to Kingho Mining Co Ltd on 23rd September 2020.
