Water Resources Ministry and SALWACO Engage JM Mining in Kenema

The Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, the National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA), and the Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO) recently engaged with the leadership of JM Mining company in Kenema. The one-day session, held in the boardroom of the new SALWACO office, aimed to address the environmental dangers posed by mining operations and develop solutions to mitigate these issues.

Key attendees included Deputy Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, and Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Young Generation Leader, Ing. Francis Amara Kallon, Managing Director of SALWACO, Ing. George Lamin Vandi, and Director General of the NWRMA, Junisa Patrick Bengali, among others.

During the strategic meeting, participants discussed the environmental impact of JM Mining’s activities. It was recommended that a site visitation be conducted to reassess the environmental impact, ensuring an accurate and up-to-date evaluation.

The Ministry, NWRMA, and SALWACO emphasized that mining operations should not compromise SALWACO’s efforts to provide clean water to the public. They stressed the necessity of balancing economic development with the protection of vital water resources.

The leadership in the water sector plans to reconvene and submit comprehensive recommendations to JM Mining. These recommendations aim to ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably, prioritizing the well-being of the environment and local communities. This engagement highlights the commitment of the Ministry, NWRMA, and SALWACO to environmental protection and sustainable development.