By Bockarie Kamara
Hon. Mustapha Sellu, Member of Parliament representing Bagruwa Chiefdom- Moyamba District, has raised major concerns before the Speaker during parliamentary sitting on Tuesday May 6th 2025 regarding the operations of FS Mining Company and Shunda-Ore Mining Company, which he said is hazardous to his people in his area of representation.
He told the House that there are two or three small-scale mining companies that are in violation of the NPAA Act passed by this very House; and that their operations are endangering the lives of his people.
He went on that according to documents they submitted to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Minerals Agency (NMA), they were supposed to carry out dust suppression along the mining corridors; and that they are not complying, and the people in the area are unhappy.
He further noted that the Act clearly provides that the operations of any company should not be hazardous to the communities in which they operate, adding that during public disclosure, risks such as dust pollution and corresponding mitigation measures, including dust suppression, are supposed to be outlined and implemented.
Recounting a recent experience while returning from his constituency, he informed Parliamentarians that he almost ran into an oncoming motorbike because about eight 40-feet trailers were moving in and out of the village at the same time on the narrow road; and he nearly had an accident.
As the representative of his people, Hon. Sellu stressed that his voice must be heard on such critical matter.
He called on the Speaker to intervene by summoning the EPA and NMA to a meeting to address the issue.
In response, the Speaker instructed the Committees on Mines and Environment to conduct a joint hearing and report back to the House within one month.
He cautioned committee heads, stating ‘‘many times when complaints are made to you, nothing happens. The committees should summons the relevant parties, caution them and make it clear what is expected. And if necessary, produce a report and present your recommendations to the House. Once approved, those recommendations become law. But you are not doing what is expected at all.’’
