hakimadini

Friday, April 28, 2006

mining industry is a minefield for JK

Its been short 3 or 4 weeks since JK declared intentions to review the mining contracts in Tanzania.In a very interesting ways so much has been happening in both political and administrative front.There has been a lot of hush in the corridors of power and maybe loud ones on other fronts.Mererani for example, a visit by Prime Minister Edward Lowassa,what would normally have been intended to focus on Dume condom launch,turned into a shouting match.The local ASM miners decided to demand audience from the Premier on what has been for a longtime been their own Public nuisance in the backyard.The appeals for calm by the Regional and district administration authorities turned in a political duel.
`We want to talk to Lowassa about AFGEM' they cried on and on to the levels of crippling the set schedules.Only Premiers intervention soothed them into being patient till the end of the set launch,then they could get a hearing.Immediately the launch ended ,one person after the other who were given chance to address the Premier talked of AFGEM`s Human Rights violations,So called Mererani controlled area ,alleged cover-up by local officials and poor community governance in the mining sector.
Then the ever jovial Premier stood high and ordered immediate investigation and action on most of the allegations.What followed could be every bodys guess-there has been a commitee from the Ministy of Energy and Minerals doing rounds collecting views from the locals in Mererani and Arusha.Why am I saying that Mining contracts review is a minefield for JK?
1-All these contracts are a result of a process that started in early 90s under the generous funding from World Bank!!Its no secret that massive push for FDI is a deliberate WB strategy.Is JK wiling to reverse the process?
2-Under the Development agreement with the Foreign investors in the mining sector,there is deliberate legal clause that protects the FDI against Nationalisation or any attempts to review of the terms and conditions of the contracts during the lifetime of the contract-25 years+ .I am sure that Honourable Lawrence Masha knows how strong this will carry the day if they go to the legal battles..Which brings to the next huddle..
3-The Mining department is full of so called accomplices of the public reap off..Lets be serious is JK really ready to trust Hon Lawrence Masha to be non- partisan in a reversal of process against AFGEM/Tanzanite One for example.For those who dont know Hon Lau Masha...here is something for your thoughts..Mr Lau is one brilliant lawyer who operates in partnership under IMMA(Ishengoma,Masha,Mujuluzi,Magai)ADVOCATES.This firm is questionably identified in the Mboma commission report 2002 as a firm holding shares in AFGEM intrust for Local Tanzanians..(read some Tanzanians)..So in simple language Hon Lau Masha is a Company secretary and a director in AFGEM/Tanzanite One.So while a poor Maasai pastoralists taxes pays for his Ministerial luxuries..he still fetches a handsome paycheck from next door(AFGEM).Total conflict of interest and blatant reap off!!
In the same breath lets agree thet Mining sector reform is been carried out by WB money,WB trained personnel and some are even paid from the WB mining sector support kitty!!God forbid!!How do you expect this people who have been meddling in this mud since 1992 to come clean at this hour for the interest of the nation..
Most of them earn handsomely from mining consultancies commissioned by the Breton woods institutions!!!Thats why I was personally not surprised by Dr Kipokolas report on the Mining sector2005 ..There is no problem we are told by his report.WHAT A SHAME FOR THE POOR TANZANIAN S WHO TOOK YOU TO SCHOOL ..

4-Hon Lowassa, we have some reports that are rotting in the shelves,latest by the name Mboma commission report..Do you think really Hon Dr Msabaha and the mining department are so much of geniuses to produce a totally unique report that our decorated rtd General Mboma couldn't??I also dont think they have the guts to tackle their own filth..IM TOLD THE MINING OFFICIALS GOING ROUND COLLECTING VIEWS ARE INFACT HAVING BEHIND THE DOOR MEETINGS(with hand picked individuals) AND THREATENING MINE OWNERS AND DEALERS WHO SPEAK AGAINST AFGEM..Lets await their report..just like kipokolas -No problem!!!
I dont admire being in JK`s or Lowassa`s shoes ..If I ever think of going into politics I will pray not to live with such headaches in my hands!!
May God protect and give wisdom to JK and PM!!! Long live Tanzania!!!

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