A Balaka community faces severe living conditions due to unauthorized mining activities by Portland Cement Malawi Limited, according to the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives. CDEDI reported homes with structural damage, leaking roofs, and hazardous airborne debris near Ngonga village, accusing the firm of bypassing legal compensation protocols and environmental reviews before excavating Chinkhumbe Hill.
CDEDI Director Sylvester Namiwa stated officials failed to conduct required ecological impact studies, instead misusing an outdated 2011 assessment. He alleged compensation payments were miscalculated using incorrect regional rates, with some residents receiving minimal payments while others obtained unmerited large sums. Local leaders reported intimidation after exposing irregularities, including one chief detained by citizens over disputed disbursements. Namiwa urged Natural Resources Minister Jean Mathanga to audit the company's permits and review all mining contracts signed previously, citing evidence of regulatory violations and institutional inaction despite documented harm to citizens.
CDEDI Director Sylvester Namiwa stated officials failed to conduct required ecological impact studies, instead misusing an outdated 2011 assessment. He alleged compensation payments were miscalculated using incorrect regional rates, with some residents receiving minimal payments while others obtained unmerited large sums. Local leaders reported intimidation after exposing irregularities, including one chief detained by citizens over disputed disbursements. Namiwa urged Natural Resources Minister Jean Mathanga to audit the company's permits and review all mining contracts signed previously, citing evidence of regulatory violations and institutional inaction despite documented harm to citizens.
