Citizens call for more stakeholders’ dialogue on mining issues
June 7, 2024 (TORIT) – The Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR) and partners should organize more multi-stakeholder’s dialogue to discuss mining related developments in South Sudan, participants at a workshop urged.
The one-day meeting organized by CSCNR on July 3, 2024 was a follow up forum on the Implementation of Mining Act 2012 in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.
A total of 26 participants, including state legislative assembly members, traditional chiefs, civil society leaders, anti-corruption agencies, youth groups, women’s organizations, and other relevant stakeholders attended the meeting.
According to the organizers of the workshop, the diverse representation was to ensure there is comprehensive discussion on key issues affecting the mining sector and facilitates collaborative efforts towards sustainable development.
Vens Koma, the national coordinator for the civil society entity, said the objective of the follow up meeting on the implementation of Mining Act 2012 was to assess the progress made in enforcing the regulations outlined in the act.
This, he said, includes ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly, promoting transparency and accountability in the sector, and addressing any challenges or gaps that may exist in the implementation process.
Koma recognized the critical role civil society organizations play in monitoring the implementation of laws and policies related to mining activities in the country.
He, however, emphasized the need for civil society to engage with government and other stakeholders to ensure that mining activities are carried out in a manner that is consistent with the existing laws and promotes sustainable development.
Speaking at the workshop, the state Civil Society Network, Charles Lokwaruk said diverse attendance showed the importance society places on transparency, accountability and sustainable development in South Sudan’s mining sector.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Hon. Betty Hope Awor emphasized her commitment to fostering peace, social economic transformation, and inclusive growth through responsible mining practices.
She acknowledged the importance of the mining sector in promoting economic development in the state, while stressing the need for prudent fiscal governance to ensure that mining revenues are used effectively and efficiently to promote social and economic transformation.
“Peace and stability to attract investment in the mining sector,” stressed Awor.
The lawmaker urged participants to discuss all issues and policies that promote transparency and equitable distribution of benefits from natural resources”
Also discussed were the legal frameworks, with participants underscoring the need for capacity-building initiatives to enhance technical skills, knowledge sharing and institutional capacities within regulatory bodies overseeing the sector.
(ST)