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A section of Kwale  ODM members is now calling for inclusion in the Post-Mining Land Use Committee.

The committee was unveiled in early May by former Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to oversee the management of mined land once mining operations conclude.

This follows the impending closure of the Australian mining company Base Titanium due to the depletion of mineral resources primarily zircon, Ilmenite and rutile.

Since the unveiling of the PMLU Committee, it has faced significant criticism, with some locals and activists questioning its legitimacy.

Led by self-proclaimed ODM chairman Abdallah Mambo, the members have criticized the exclusion of key affected parties from the PMLU Committee.

Mambo argued that ODM, a prominent political party with a strong track record of advocating for people’s rights, should be included in the PMLU Committee.

He said that numerous injustices are happening yet the mining-affected communities have been left alone with no adequate protection.

“Unfortunately, the community has not been adequately represented, and as ODM, we demand to be included in the committee,” he said.

Mambo said that it is their right to understand how the remaining assets will be utilized and how the decisions will affect the communities once the company ceases operations.

He alleged that the committee was formed unlawfully and urged the new Mining CS, Hassan Joho, to take steps to rectify the situation.

Mambo stated that ODM must be involved in any matters related to PMLU in Kwale, as they represent the voice of the weak.

He also raised concerns on land set aside for the development of the Mwaepe fish Landing Site.

Mambo said it has come to their attention that initially, the land designated for the project was seven acres but in the title deed is 1.1 acres.

He cried foul that someone was behind grabbing the remaining piece of land and that someone must be held accountable.

“Our ancestors donated seven acres for the Mwaepe fish landing project, but we were recently shocked to find that the title deed states only one acre. We demand answers about what happened to the rest of the land,” he said.

Former Mining Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya unveiled the team in May. PHOTO/Print