Isulu: The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Environment, Peninah Mukabane, has urged Shanta Gold Limited to initiate civic education for communities in Ikolomani prior to the commencement of large-scale gold mining operations.
According to Kenya News Agency, the CECM emphasized during a media address at Isulu that public participation has not been adequately conducted for the project, which is set to significantly impact local communities. Some residents will need to be relocated to facilitate the company’s groundwork, requiring at least 337 acres of land. Mukabane criticized Shanta Gold Limited for failing to provide the county government with a comprehensive resettlement action plan detailing how affected individuals will be relocated, compensated, and the compensation amounts.
The CECM expressed concerns about the need for a disturbance allowance for those being relocated, as many residents have children attending nearby schools. Additionally, Mukabane highlighted the necessity for Shanta Gold Limited to implement measures to mitigate potential environmental impacts, such as boreholes drying up due to extensive mining activities.
On behalf of the governor, Mukabane advocated for a temporary halt to the project until communities are thoroughly sensitized, and civic education is completed to ensure effective public participation. She also pointed out that the company’s operations could affect over 20,000 artisanal miners in Ikolomani, who depend on small-scale mining for their livelihoods. Mukabane urged Shanta Gold Limited to develop strategies to cushion these miners from the repercussions of its large-scale mining activities.
Patrick Ligami, Chairperson of the Kakamega County Miners Association, called on the national government to expedite the issuance of mining permits to artisanal miners. Despite meeting all conditions and processes, these permits have faced delays, impacting the miners’ ability to continue their work.
