Goilala leader: Don’t disrupt work at TGM
The National, Friday 19th April 2013
THE Tolukuma Gold Mine (TGM) is the only lifeline for the people of Goilala and should not be sabotaged, Yulai Landowners association (YLA) chairman George Gusi says.
YLA is the principal landowner group within TGM.
Gusi said: “I do not want the landowners to interfere with the mining administration.
“I do not want some mining employees to influence the landowners to demonstrate against the general operations of the mine for their own personal interest.
“The mine is the only source of income for the Yulai people who were once living in a very least developed area.
“Today TGM is both a revenue source for the country and the people of Yulai and Goilala,” he said.
Gusi stressed that the landowners and the employees were beneficiaries of the mine.
He also expressed his gratitude to the National Government for its support of development plans in consultation with the TGM management.
Gusi thanked Goilala MP Daniel Mona, Central Governor Kila Haoda and Woitape local level government president Maria Mark for backing up TGM.
“I want to also make it clear that the people of Yulai who are the impacted landowners of the mine are supporting TGM in whatever measures they take to address the issues on hand.
“We will support the TGM management to ensure that the mine’s operation returns to normalcy.
“We are also aware of the false information about TGM being spread by certain group with vested interest.
“We will continue to work with the current TGM management headed by chief executive officer Sam Inguba and support them to ensure that benefits trickled down to the stakeholders.”
“I always fight for the safety of the mine because that is the only project that is currently providing service to my people by way of education, transportation, communication, employment and others socioeconomic benefits,” Gusi stressed.
Once all issues are settled, Gusi said YLA will pursue the benefits due the landowners.