Barrick CEO impressed by declining number of intruders at North Mara Gold mine

By a Special Correspondent

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The number of intruders wreaking havoc at North Mara Gold mine has declined sharply, thanks to joint efforts by government and local leaders to stem such unbecoming behavior orchestrated by bands of hooligans.

Addressing the community at Nyamongo last week while handing over a new primary school built by North Mara Gold mine to Tarime District authorities, Barrick President and CEO, Dr Mark Bristow said updates show that the number of intruders has dropped from 381 in April to 61 in August this year.

“ I would like to congratulate everyone who took part in the campaign to root out the intrusions, including Tarime Member of Parliament, councilors, Community Development ( CDC) members, village chairpersons and traditional elders,’’ said Dr Bristow.

Barrick President and CEO, Dr Mark Bristow

Encouraging communities surrounding the gold mine to maintain the tempo, the Barrick CEO said they should not allow a few individuals to derail the development process.

“ No-one would be happy to see another person breaking into their house. I believe that if we continue working together, we’ll be able to solve the security challenges facing the gold mine,’’  he said.

“ We are one community. You can see it for yourself today as we reap the fruits of this gold mine,” the CEO said.

Tarime Member of Parliament Mr Mwita Waitara took a swipe at the perpetrators fuelling the invasions, saying these were doing it for personal gain and joint efforts to isolate them were the only option.

“There is a misconception among the youth, driving them to believe that the gold mine is their inheritance. But as leaders, we must stand by the truth and tell them that invading the mine’s premises is unlawful and punishable,” said Mr Waitara.

The CDC Chairperson Mr Godfrey Kegoye , said local leaders have jointly helped discourage the youth from invading the mine.

“ We are happy to see that our joint strategies are working and the invasions have sharply declined. We’ll continue taking actions until this bad practice is completely wiped out,”

said Mr Kegoye who doubles as the councilor for Matongo Ward and represented Tarime District Council Chairperson at the event.

In his remarks, he commended Dr Bristow saying he is a man of action.

“ We thank you Dr Mark. You’ve always kept your promises,” he said.

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