In a display of commitment to the Lower Bambara chiefdom and in adherence to Sierra Leone’s Mines and Mineral Act, Sierra Diamonds Company made its annual surface rent payment of one million, two hundred and seventy-eight thousand, four hundred seventy-five leones in the new currency.
This payment was on October 4, 2023, in Panguma, the chiefdom headquarters. This substantial payment was made to the landowners in four concessions within the chiefdom.
According to the Mines and Mineral Act, 70 percent of the total rent goes directly to the deserving landowners, ensuring they reap the benefits of the land’s resources. Paramount Chief Almamy Farma the 5th and Ibrahim Yarjoh, representing the Kenema District Council, each received 10 percent of the sum, the council’s sum is meant for development in the district. Unlike the PC, his ten percent is in honor of him being a custodian of the land.
However, a unique situation arose when it came to the 10 percent allocated for constituency development. Due to the proportional representation system, which does not assign specific members of parliament to constituencies, the company retained custody of this portion until further clarification is received from the Minister of Mines.
Tommy Kaiza Koker, the Government and Community Relations Manager of Sierra Diamonds, highlighted the company’s commitment to the region’s development. He mentioned that the company has undertaken various corporate social responsibility initiatives, including building schools, constructing and rehabilitating roads, and providing essential facilities in several communities.
Notably, the company has constructed a six-classroom building with wash facilities in Lowoma Sie Section, similar facilities in Talama village in Bonya Section, and Landoma in Nyawa Section. These investments and several more demonstrate their dedication to the chiefdom’s well-being.
Henry H Kamara, the Community Affairs and Social Development Manager of the National Minerals Agency, emphasized the government’s dedication to uplifting people from poverty through responsible resource utilization. He praised Sierra Diamonds for adhering to the regulations and rules set by the government.
Paramount Chief Almamy Farma the 5th expressed his gratitude for Sierra Diamonds’ consistent surface rent payments and their significant contributions to the Lower Bambara Chiefdom’s development.
Rasheed Charles Ngiawee, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee, stressed that the 10 percent meant for the Kenema District Council should primarily be allocated to chiefdom development, due to the absence of specific constituency MPs under the proportional representation system he pleaded for the money to be paid into the chiefdom development account
In sum, Sierra Diamonds’ unwavering commitment to Lower Bambara Chiefdom and their adherence to legal regulations have not only resulted in fair compensation for landowners but also tangible development in the region, with the promise of more to come as the company gears up for full-scale mining operations.
