Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo convened a consultative meeting with Shanta Gold Kenya Company and artisanal miners association to discuss gold mining activities in the county.
The meeting follows concerns raised about the operations of Shanta Gold Kenya, an East Africa focused gold exploration company, which is currently prospecting in Mwibona area, in Luanda Sub County.
Dr. Ottichilo called for collaboration among the stakeholders and involvement of the locals before undertaking mining activities.
He emphasized the need for the investor to forge a cordial relationship with the community members so as to be able to earn their trust, to pave the way for smooth mineral exploration exercise.
The county head added that the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), will come up with an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESEA) report that would guide the issuance of licenses to the artisanal miners.
He stated that they would like to streamline the artisanal mining sector so as to make it viable as well as ensuring security of the miners and the protection of the environment.
Meanwhile, the county has handed over Esirulo market site in Central Bunyore ward in the same Luanda sub county for the construction of an ultramodern market under the Economic Stimulus Programme, jointly implemented by the county and national government.
The governor said the market targets small scale traders and will accommodate 204 stall owners.
He added that the one-storey building will consist of stalls, storage facility, cold room and administrative offices on the ground floor.
The first floor would have office space, revenue collection centre, Information Communication Technology (ICT) hub, social hall, food court and an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) lobby.
By Sammy Mwibanda
