By Chernor Alimamy Kamara
The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources (MMMR) has expressed concern about the low cash received from the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for the year 2022.
This happened during the annual budget hearing at the MoF conference room in Freetown.
It is reported that out of the NLE 8.3 million budget that was estimated for 2022, only NLE 2 million was approved, and only four hundred and fifty-seven thousand (NLE457,000) New Leones have been disbursed so far which equates to 23% of the approved budget.
Whiles highlighting the challenges they face as a ministry, the Permanent Secretary at MMMR, Kenei Lamin noted that the ‘very’ late disbursement of funds is holding back the activities of the ministry. He also claimed inadequate trained technical staff, insufficient vehicles, motorcycles, and other equipment needed, derail the efficient implementation of the ministry’s activities.
He said despite the challenges, they have been able to achieve key deliverables for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 like the review of the Mines and Minerals Act of 2009 which has been completed and approved by Parliament. He also said that the Draft Bill for the review of the National Mineral Agency Act of 2012 has been submitted to Parliament.
He spoke about establishing a Directorate of Policy Development and Research that is operated by a staff of five and a Directorate of Community Affairs where Executive clearance has been given to them for the recruitment of staff. The MoF and the Public Service Commission are engaged in the recruitment process.
Lamin stated that the mines ministry in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), has generated substantial revenue for the development of the country and successfully conducted nationwide monitoring of artisanal mining activities through the help of other MDAs.
About plans for 2023, he emphasized that they want to ensure responsible, sustainable exploitation and judicious utilization of Sierra Leone’s mineral wealth to support socio-economic development and poverty alleviation. He also said that they have promoted local and international investment opportunities in Sierra Leone’s mineral sector and have established the coordination and collaboration of state and non-state actors on minerals governance and management. He added that they have promoted local economic development in mining communities.
The MMMR is mandated to create the enabling environment for sustainable exploitation of Sierra Leone’s Mineral resources and also contribute to the transformation and socio-economic development of the country.
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