malawi parliament to debate pdn project

Malawi Parliament to debate Paladin Resources Uranium Project
Mar 14,2007 by Richard Mayani


President Bingu Wa Mutharika should expect another defeat on Thursday when the Assembly tables a private motion on the Kayelekera Uranium Mining project.

Following the signing of the contract between the Malawi government and an Australian mining company two weeks ago, government officials have kept a tight lid on the contents of the contract.

Despite demands from members of the national assembly to have the opportunity to go through the contract, government has insisted that the details are not for public consumption.

Leader of the House Henry Chimunthu Banda told Parliament last week that details of the contract cannot be disclosed at this time.

“We can't be disclosing to every Jim and Jack the contents of this agreement we have signed with Paladin,” he said.

The decision by government not to disclose contents of the contract has sparked anger from some members of the house.

Since Thursday is a day reserved for private members motions, one MP is expected to table a motion on the Kayelekera Project because government has not disclosed safety assurances to the people of Karonga and the surrounding areas.

With what has been happening in the last two days, when government was defeated on two different votes, it is expected that the motion by this opposition MPs is also expected to carry the day against government.

Many MPs interviewed by MNS at the National Assembly say that they are going to vote Yes for safety on the Kayelekera Mining Project so that safety for the people from Karonga and surrounding areas can be assured.

“What type of government is this - doing such a big project under serious secrecy?” asked one MP.

Sources close to the Ministry of Energy and Mining and Environment Affairs say that the details of the contract have been put under lock and key because some senior government officials, including president Bingu wa Mutharika, are expecting to benefit illegally and corruptly from the deal.

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