Rwanda: Local Government Minister warns Ngororero leaders over illegal mining

 

Rwanda’s Minister of Local Government Prof. Shyaka Anastase called on local authorities in Ngororero District to refrain from engaging in illegal mining, drug trafficking and other activities rather they should keep focused on the interests of the people.

He made the warning on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, as he embarked on a two-day working visit to the Western Province where he spoke to local leaders representing others in Gatumba, Muhororo and Ndaro Sectors.

Minister Shyaka also met leaders of 13 sectors of the Ngororero District, district staff, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and other opinion leaders to discuss their role  in the district’s social economic development.

One of the issues raised in the District is that of local leaders are involved in the illegal mining, smuggling of liquor and so on.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Shyaka requests that such misconducts are intolerable.

He also expressed his condolences to the people of the area affected by the disaster and called on the authorities to work harder to address the social problems among residents including those affected by the disasters.

“A leader must be the catalyst for good and for the betterment of the nation, and for the unity and security of the country and its people,” he said.

Minister Shyaka also called on the leaders to strive to provide better services to the people at all levels of government, with a focus on resolving community issues early on, resolving domestic disputes, reminding people to follow agricultural guidelines, and other aspects of community service.

Ngororero district is one of the most mining areas in Rwanda, which has led to a large number of people involved in mining, and has also been affected by the frequent disasters caused by poor mining activities.

Mining in Rwanda consists of extracting such minerals as tin, tantalum, and tungsten. In 2017, Rwanda earned about US$373m from mineral exports which constitute 14.9% of total exports, making mining the biggest source of export revenues after tourism.

Rwanda’s mineral resources include Cassiterite, Coltan, wolfram, peat (used for electricity generation or processed as an alternative for firewood), gold and Nickel.

In addition to this, the country has other precious stones such as amphibolite, granites, quartzite, volcanic rocks, clay, sand and gravel.