People in Ng'onga village can breathe easier after officials started checking land values. The Ministry of Lands, Portland Cement Limited, and civil society groups launched this verification process together. Villagers had asked for a new assessment, worried they weren't getting fair payment for their property during earlier evaluations. They wanted proper compensation for their family lands.
Community leader Alinane Ndanga thanked the land ministry for listening to their concerns. He believes this shows the government wants to make things right. Portland Cement's marketing head, Violet Vilili, said her company follows the law completely. She mentioned that early findings show little difference between original assessments and new checks. The company will follow whatever direction the authorities give after the process finishes.
Rights activist Sylvester Namiwa likes what he sees but wants faster solutions to these long-running problems. He appreciated the positive atmosphere between affected residents and the cement company. Portland Cement, owned by Huaxian Cement, is building a manufacturing plant in Balaka District. The new facility will mine limestone and make clinker to produce 800,000 metric tonnes of cement yearly, tripling their current 300,000-tonne capacity.
Community leader Alinane Ndanga thanked the land ministry for listening to their concerns. He believes this shows the government wants to make things right. Portland Cement's marketing head, Violet Vilili, said her company follows the law completely. She mentioned that early findings show little difference between original assessments and new checks. The company will follow whatever direction the authorities give after the process finishes.
Rights activist Sylvester Namiwa likes what he sees but wants faster solutions to these long-running problems. He appreciated the positive atmosphere between affected residents and the cement company. Portland Cement, owned by Huaxian Cement, is building a manufacturing plant in Balaka District. The new facility will mine limestone and make clinker to produce 800,000 metric tonnes of cement yearly, tripling their current 300,000-tonne capacity.
