Cluff Gold Company Pays Surface Rent & Development Fund at Baomahun
In adherence to the new Mines and Minerals Act of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Cluff Gold Company with operations at Baomahun, over the weekend paid the Le200,960,000 as surface rent to over 100 Land Owners and Chiefdom Authorities in Valunia Chiefdom Bo District. (Photo: L-R Cluff Gold Country Manager Alusine Jalloh handing over surface rent and development fund payment check to the Minister of Mines Minkailu Mansaray at a ceremony witnessed by all stakeholders at Baomahun )
The Country Manager of Cluff Gold, Alusine Jalloh, said the company is committed and determined in fulfilling their corporate obligations in the Baomahun Concession areas in line with the laws of the country.
He said the company has not only paid the surface rents to land owners but also supported the chiefdom development fund.
Mr. Jalloh added that plans have been put in place to fund the construction of a police post in the Baomahun Community and applauded the Government of Sierra Leone for creating the Mineral Act Law.
Explaining further about the payment, Mr Alusine Jalloh said Cluff Gold has paid a surface rent of Le150,960,000 and also gave Le50,000,000 as special community development fund and called on the people to judiciously utilise the payment.
Mr. Jalloh encouraged beneficiaries of the surface rent and chiefdom authority to embrace development stating that Cluff Gold is committed and determined to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Mines and Minerals Act of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
He also pointed out that Cluff Gold has provided a scholarship scheme for secondary school pupils and undergraduate students to study geology and engineering in Ghana, adding that the company has also rehabilitated roads and supported community development initiatives.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Minkailu Mansaray explained about the importance of surface rent payments according to section 34A of the minerals Act.
The Minister stated that surface rent shall be distributed as follows, District council 50 percent, Chiefdom Administration fund 10 percent, Paramount chief 15 percent, Constituency and Development fund 10 percent.
He thanked Cluff Gold Company for fulfilling their responsibilities and cautioned land holding families not to encourage any illicit mining in the chiefdom that will deplete the land.
The Mines Minister also advised the beneficiaries to utilize the surface rent for the benefit of their children, and encouraged residents of Valunia Chiefdom to embrace development.
Giving the opening remarks by the Provincial Secretary South in the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources, Mrs Fatmata Mustapha said Cluff Gold is working in line with the laws on the areas of Corporate Social Responsibilities and ensuring that the people of Valunia chiefdom benefit.
She expressed thanked to the Valunia chiefdom for accepting Cluff Gold mining company to operate in their chiefdom in the Bo District.
The Paramount Chief of Valunia Chiefdom James B. N. Vonjoe thanked the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources and his delegation for gracing the surface rent.
He said that he is very happy and proud of his people as they continue to receive their surface rents from the company and hoped that the people of Valunia chiefdom will continue with the good relationship with Cluff Gold Mining Company.
PC emphasized that Cluff Gold is working towards the President’s Agenda for Change and welcomed the idea of having a police which they consider as a developmental venture that will make tremendous impact on their lives of the people.
Hon. Paul Kamara of Constituency 77 said for the purpose of transparency and accountability they have put in place record system of all Cluff Gold payments and other donations to the people of Baomahun.
He expressed gratitude to Cluff Gold for the surface rent payment which he said will benefit most of the homes facing difficult economic stagnation, and also appealed to the land owners to utilize the surface rent judiciously.
The residence Minister South Moijueh KaiKai also commended Cluff Gold for the prompt payment of the surface rent and development fund, and called on the people to embrace the company for the development of the chiefdom.
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