Well done Mikua clan

I APPLAUD the wisdom of the clan leaders of Mikua of Biribiri village in Usino local level government for taking a bold stand to drive socioeconomic development.
The recent announcement of the clan’s business investment in purchasing a new vehicle to assist them in economic activities and accessing government services as reported in The National yesterday is encouraging and a step in the right direction.
This is not the first purchase but an addition to their assets.
This community-driven initiative for long-term sustainable socioeconomic gain is what self-reliance and wise spending is all about.
The Government’s development agendas and aspirations encourages self-reliance and economic sustainability and the Mikua clan has achieved this goal by rightly investing their royalties in a rewarding economic venture.
It is an eye opener for people in mine-impacted areas who are beneficiaries of mining royalties and other monetary rewards from developers and the Government to invest wisely.
MCC Ramu Nickel Ltd, the developer of the giant Ramu Nickel/Cobalt mine has been loyal to its commitment and has never failed the landowners as far as disbursement of mining royalties are concerned coupled with community development projects starting from Raicoast Basamuk up to Kurumbukari. Ramu Nickel/Cobalt mine has been in operation for the last 12 to 13 years and the developer has been committed to paying royalties to landowners since its first disbursement of landowner royalties.
It has assisted landowners in community projects as well as engaging its officers in assisting and facilitating landowners’ business initiatives.
Landowners have no excuse to continue demanding and coercing the developer for undue payments because the developer has paid so much money to them and it would be absurd if there is nothing to show on the ground.
Once again, congratulations to those leaders and clan members of Mikua who are at the helm of their organisation to drive such community-led initiatives because investing in income-generating opportunities in transport ventures is a way forward now and for our future generations.

John Mangua Yoga
POM