GOLD Ridge Mining Ltd(GRML) has completed repairing the Turarana feeder road in central Guadalcanal last week.
Turarana is a large inland community outside the Gold Ridge mining lease area but the road to the community is within the lease area.
Chairman of the Goldridge Community Investment Limited, co-owners of the Gold Ridge Mining Ltd, Walton Naezon said one of the company’s priorities to recommence the mine is to repatriate people settling illegally within the mining lease areas, in particular the mining pits.
Mr Naezon said the completion of the road, which was never repaired for the past 15 years, will once again make it possible for the people to travel to and from their communities.
“The repairing of the Turarana road is part of the company’s overall plan,” Mr Naezon said.
“The company considers the completion of the road work as an achievement,” he added.
“The road will allow those living in the pits to be repatriated back to their villages in and around Turarana.
“Not only that but the road will definitely allow people in these communities to travel to access basic needs such as health and education.”
Naezon said Turarana road is one of the important roads that is used by thousands of residents in and around the community such as Mamasa and Purakachele.
He said the company is pleased to assist its own people.
He claimed past operators failed to pay attention to the road therefore making life difficult for the people.
As a result of the road being cut-off some people moved from Turarana into the mining leased areas, including the pits.
This is because it is easier to access basic services from the pit areas.
“But the company recently signed an MOU with those living in the pits to vacate the area within a given time frame.
“One of the requests these people demanded during our consultations with them is to quickly repair the Turarana road.
“I’m happy to say that we have committed ourselves to meet this request,” Naezon said.
According to the chairman, the illegal settlement in the mining lease areas, particularly the pits, makes it difficult for the company to carry out necessary work to recommence the mine.
“The new venture plan is set to commence within 21 days, therefore it is paramount that the place is cleared,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mr Naezon explained that the reopening of the mine will help his people in many ways, including employment and many other benefits.
He highlighted that his people stand to benefit from the mine therefore must respect the partnership arrangement.
The chairman has this message for his people:
“Please move now so that work can commence.
“Our foreign partner wishes to commence as soon as practicable, therefore let us respect the MOU and show commitment in the execution of the partnership arrangement.”
Under the new partnership arrangement, AXF Resource Pty Ltd CAN 604 730 181holds 90% shares whilst Gold Ridge Community Investment Limited CN 201312556 holds 10% shares.
“This is a first of its kind in the mining industry in this country therefore we look forward to utilising the arrangement to fully benefit our people.
“We also look forward to maximizing the benefits of being a shareholder.”
Reacting to the road repair,residents of the Turarana community have expressed their appreciation for the company’s timely assistance.
Celestine Seri of Purakachele village said that strip of road has been ignored for so many years.
“The road is an important infrastructure for the Turarana people but repetitively ignored for more than 15 years,” Mr Seri said.
“We are very thankful for the company’s assistance,” he added.
“After 15 years of waiting the GRML assistance will now enable us to travel right to our doorsteps.”
Another elderly man, Mr Michael, also expressed his gratitude and appreciation.
“In the past we must walk to and fro 2kms from Obo’obo [nearest location] but with the completion of the road, it will now make life easier for us,” Mr Michael said.
He acknowledged the new partnership, describing it as responsive to people’s needs.
“Past operators failed to give back to the surrounding communities. But GCIL is proven to be very responsive.
“They are yet to start mining but they have already assisted our communities. This is a positive sign and something many of us valued,” Mr Michael added.
The road repair work was done by Unity Ltd, a locally owned construction company.
Mr Naezon said Gold Ridge Mining Ltd will continue with its road repair program in other areas within the mining lease areas, including maintenance of these roads.
