I have followed with keen interest the statements that have been issued by relevant authorities on the need for mines to give contracts to local businesses. It appears abundantly clear that our calls will continue to land on deaf ears as they have continued to show unwillingness to comply. However, if local contractors in the mining sector are to contribute with adequacy to the social and economic development of our country, there is urgent for the line ministry to move in boldly and establish the necessary systems that will compel mine firms to comply effectively. In my perspective, the introduction of a statutory instrument in this regard would help change the attitude of mining firms and begin to serve the interest of the local contractors. The revelations made recently that some mining firms have engaged foreign contractors to supply sand and water, made very sad reading and calls for concerted action through which we can end that.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 08:44:16 +0000