Botha-Bothe, Feb. 05 — Storm Mountain Diamond (SMD) Mine has handed over seedlings, garden tools, seeds, and chickens to the Sekiring community in a bid to restore livelihoods following the community’s resettlement.
The handover ceremony was held at Kao on Wednesday.
Appreciating the handover, Minister of Environment and Forestry, Mr Letsema Adontsi, said the government has noted the challenges brought about by mining activities, particularly their impact on pastures.
He emphasized that both mining and livestock are important to the country, as they contribute to economic growth, and encouraged open communication as a way to resolve challenges.
He urged the community to appreciate the support, noting that it comes at a time when the country’s economy is struggling.
He also congratulated the Sekiring community for sustaining most of the projects initiated by the mine.
Mr Adontsi further highlighted that his ministry has been tasked with making Lesotho green and called upon communities to plant trees and flowers in their areas.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Mr Thabo Mofosi expressed gratitude to SMD, noting that the initiative touches on the mandates of three ministries.
“Food and nutrition are the cornerstone of every country. Through production, people gain employment, improve their diets, and ultimately contribute to economic growth. When the economy is strong, migration in search of jobs is reduced,” he said.
Mr Mofosi also called for support towards the Mahakoe-a-Kao project, which produces cleaning detergents, so that it can expand beyond Kao.
Speaking at the event, SMD Chief Executive Officer Mrs Neo Hoala said the initiative forms part of the mine’s commitment to restoring the livelihoods of families that were resettled when mining operations began.
She explained that SMD pledged to ensure sustainable livelihoods for the affected families, which is why the mine constructed proper houses equipped with solar power and adequate sanitation, while also providing skills and knowledge to enable community members to become self-reliant even after the mine’s closure.
“Today, the mine is handing over chickens, fruit tree seeds and seedlings, as well as garden tools. This initiative is meant to improve the lives of the community and secure a better future for generations to come,” she said.
Mrs Hoala acknowledged that the mine continues to face various challenges but reaffirmed its commitment to supporting surrounding communities.
“Although the mine is still facing challenges, we are working tirelessly to meet the needs of the communities around us. We plead with you to accept this humble gesture. We understand that you have many needs, and we promise to work together with you to address them,” she added.
On behalf of the Sikiring community, Mrs Mamoeketsi Lebona said the company that operated before SMD left the community in limbo, but SMD’s arrival transformed their lives for the better.
She said since relocating to the new settlement, the community has witnessed the mine’s commitment to development and thanked SMD for the training provided to ensure sustainability of the projects.
SMD has spent an estimated M150,000 on procuring the livelihood restoration items.
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