Friends of Mabilabo (FOM) on Sunday threatened to takeover affairs of Kanyika Niobium Mining which is currently being run by an Australian Company, Global Metals.
Inkosi Manilabo welcoming friends of Mabilabo Left is Dr Peter Chinoko and to the right is Chrispine Sibande
DHO Dr Alinafe Mbewe briefing reporters
Globe Metals has been accused of eroding the livelihoods of villagers in the area by degenerating them into abject poverty.
Speaking when the grouping was donating mattresses and bed sheets at Mabilabo Health Centre on Sunday, FOM Chairperson, Chrispine Sibande said the grouping has decided to run the affairs of Kanyika after reports indicated that Global Metals have failed to run the mine by not considering the welfare of the people around the area.
“We have long term vision for this area and one of them is to take over welfare of Kanyika Mining so that people of Mabilabo starts benefitting from their mining,” said Sibande.
During the function, Sibande announced that the grouping has formed Mabilabo Development Council so that the institution can be able to look into the affairs of the area on broad aspect.
Some of the people in the newly established council include Dr Peter Chinoko, Daniel Phiri, Chrispine Sibande, Mr Mthunzi, Mr Chidumula Jere and others.
Receiving the donation Mzimba district Commissioner, Thomas Chirwa commended FOM for the donation.
Mzimba District Health Officer Alinafe Mbewe admitted that her office is getting pressure especially with challenges which health centres are going through.
Inkosi Mabilabo and Member of Parliament for the area Deliwe Ngoma thanked Friends of Mabilabo for the timely donation which was wealth K1.4 million.
Apart from Emfeni, mattresses will also be distributed to Luwerezi and Mkoma Health centres.
Friends of Mabilabo have 80 members from different career background.
The Kanyika Niobium Mine will be the first of its kind in Africa but the fourth in the world after two other mines in Brazil and one in Canada.