By M, KNA
Residents of the Osiri-Matanda area in Macalder/Kanyarwanda Ward, Nyatike Sub-County, have called on mining investors to undertake Community Social Responsibility (CSR) projects to ensure that the local community benefits from ongoing mining activities.
Led by community member William Odhil, the residents expressed frustration that despite Osiri-Matanda being a major source of revenue from gold and copper mining, and a significant contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the area remains underdeveloped, with many residents still living in poverty.
The locals noted that although some investors had previously entered agreements to allocate part of their mining revenue toward community development, only a few had implemented tangible CSR projects.
Odhil cited the lack of clean and safe water, inadequate health facilities, and poor learning infrastructure as critical areas that require urgent attention from investors.
“We are surrounded by wealth from minerals, yet our people still suffer due to lack of basic services. Investors must give back to the community that hosts them,” he said.
Another resident, Sylvans Oluoch, urged the County Department of Mining and Blue Economy to ensure that all investors engaging in large-scale mining activities are properly licensed and held accountable for their operations.
Last week, a local mining company drilled boreholes in Osiri-Matanda to address persistent water shortages, a gesture residents welcomed as a positive example of CSR. However, Oluoch said that more investors should emulate such efforts by addressing other challenges, including infrastructure improvement, school upgrades, and land reclamation.
The residents also raised concerns over unsafe mining practices, particularly the mishandling and disposal of cyanide and other chemicals used in gold extraction, which they said often contaminate local rivers, posing serious health risks to both humans and livestock.
They appealed to the relevant authorities to enforce environmental protection measures and ensure responsible mining to safeguard community welfare.