In the spirit of the Ramadhan festive season, Kwale based Australian mining firm Base Titanium Limited (BTL) hosted a special iftar dinner for the Muslim community around the mine site.
Ramadhan, which takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a period for fasting and piety by Muslims.
The dinner, held after sunset in accordance with Islamic law, marked the second time the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan has been marked by BTL.
Base Titanium that commenced production in 2013 operates on the South Coast of Kenya extracting minerals mainly ilmenite, rutile and zircon all considered critical minerals and is accredited as a vision 2030 flagship mining project.
During Ramadhan, which ends in a week’s time, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and other sensual pleasures from dawn to dusk.
The lavish iftar dinner was graced by Base Titanium General Manager for External Affairs, Simon Wall, Msambweni MP Feisal Bader and Msambweni Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Lotiatia Kipkech and a host of community leaders.
Iftar is to feed a fasting person and the fast-breaking meal is eaten after sunset, the end of the daily Ramadhan fast.
The event was a gesture of appreciation and care from the management towards communities living around the mine site.
Ramadhan, currently being observed worldwide, is a month of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity, and sacrifice observed by Muslims annually around the world.
Simon Wall says it’s the second time the mining firm is hosting an iftar dinner and embodies the spirit of close working relationship between Base and the local communities.
Mr Wall noted that the dinner was part of BTL embracing the diverse culture, traditions and norms of neighbouring communities and also appreciating the goodwill and support that the community has shown to the company over the years.
MP Bader says the iftar meal is the traditional breaking of the fast each day after sunset and is often celebrated by families and friends.
“So the invitation by Base to an iftar meal is a sign of deep respect and friendship with the host communities and we don’t take it for granted,” he said, adding that the iftar dinners symbolise a time of togetherness and unity.
Bader appreciated Base for supporting the community not only in Msambweni but in Kwale County noting that investors like Base Titanium were unlocking opportunities to the communities in terms of creating job opportunities for the locals and offering educational and training support for the youth.
He said Ramadhan is a time of spiritual reflection and increased devotion for Muslims but it can be challenging for many, particularly those living in poverty.
Bader said Base Titanium plays a crucial role in supporting vulnerable families through its Ramadhan food distribution programme, which provides food assistance to disadvantaged families and communities near the mine site.
Base Titanium later issued assorted Ramadhan food packages to needy Muslim families living around the mine site.
The food packages contained essential items like rice, maize, beans, cooking oil, sugar, salt and tea leaves.
Mr Wall said the food package distribution is part of the mining firm’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and seeks to provide meals to families around the mine site during Ramadhan.
“This ensures that vulnerable and underprivileged families can enjoy the blessed month of Ramadhan with dignity and happiness,” said Wall, adding that the food would provide relief to about 5000 needy families.
He says the Ramadhan food pack distribution takes place in communities with high levels of poverty and the most vulnerable families.
By Hussein Abdullahi
