THE compensation process to the Kabanga Nickel Project Affected Persons (PAP) is expected to start soon following the completion of final review and validation of compensation schedules/reports by the government Chief Valuer.
Tembo Nickel Country Manager, Mr Benedict Busunzu explained that before compensation is made all the affected persons will receive financial literacy training, which will be followed by special bank accounts opening specifically joint accounts through which compensation payments will be made.
“We know that some people have bank accounts but we want to ensure that all the money dished out as compensation reaches the affected person. These are special accounts whereby the company will bear all the bank charges.
Mr Busunzu revealed that approximately 30bn/- had been allocated for compensation payments to the approximately 1,300 Project Affected Persons.
He listed the 11 villages surrounding the mine to include Bugarama, Rwinyana, Nyabihanga, Muganza, Mukubu, Mumiramira, Bukiriro, Muyenzi, Rulenge, Mukalinzi and Nyarulama.
Elaborating, he said the Project Affected Persons will be shifted to eight villages, namely Magamba, Nyakafandi 1, Nyakafandi 2, Burinda, Kazingati, Ruhuba, Mbuba and Mukigende.
Meanwhile, Ngara District Commissioner (DC) Coloner Mathias Kahabi has hailed Tembo Nickel’s Kabanga Nickel Project, describing it as a milestone.
“I would like to thank Tembo Nickel Country Manager, Mr Benedict Busunzu and his team for working to ensure that this project takes off. President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan is looking forward to achieving the goal for the benefit of the respective communities and the nation at large,” he remarked.
He appealed to the Project Affected Persons, who will get compensation to utilise well the money for economic development and should avoid lavish spending simply because they have money in their pockets.
“The intention of the government is to ensure that each Project Affected Person is compensated fairly before their land is acquired. We also understand that mining of nickel in Ngara will benefit the whole nation,” he said.
Expounding, Col Kahabi said, “This is a large and strategic project that is expected to have tremendous economic impact, and this is why the Minister for Minerals, Dr Doto Biteko and the Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Dr Angeline Mabula have been working closely with us, providing guidance and follow on its progress towards this milestone.
Project Valuers began land and asset surveys in July 2022. The project areas was delineated and surveyed, all the affected community were identified, compensation schedules were developed and disclosed to affected persons as per the law before signed by respective Village and Ward Executive Officers, District Valuer and District Land Officer and thereafter the District Commissioner (DC).
