Karonga to petition against Uranium Mining company on DEMO Day

After government calmed down residents of Karonga who wanted to close Kayerekera Uranium Mine on Thursday last week the latter led by chiefs, councillors, religious leaders and all civil society organizations have planned to hold a strong demonstration on Tuesday this week to petition government on issues affecting them especially with Paladin Africa Limited.

Speaking during a preparation meeting in the district chairperson for the demonstration Cossum Munthali said the protest will start from Karonga roundabout to offices of their district commissioner where they will present the petition.

According to Munthali they have already informed the police and the district commissioner about the development.

Among others the residents are demanding government to bring a machine which shows the uranium content in the water at Kayerekera mine as well as the memorandum of understanding it secretly signed with the company.

Confirming the development officer in charge for Karonga police Edward Chingayipe and the district commissioner Rosemary Moyo admitted to have been informed but advised the group to hold peaceful demonstration.

The residents of Karonga have been seeking government’s intervention in the cause of the continuous dying of fish in the lake.

However, government through the Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Atupele Muluzi assured them that they would know the cause within ten days a thing which has provoked the residents as they claim the period is too long and government is not serious with the issue.