By Wezzie Gausi:
There are little chances that the Government of Malawi, through Attorney General (AG) Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, may sign mining development agreements (MDAs) for Lotus Resources and Mkango Resources Limited this month, with the AG insisting that he is not ready to sign the agreements.
Recently, government signed the MDA for Globe Metals.
Chakaka Nyirenda said there are issues the three parties are yet to agree on.
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He said an agreement reflects what parties discussed and mutually agreed.
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“With these two companies [Lotus Resources and Mkango Resources Limited], we haven’t reached an agreement yet. There is a need for patience and perseverance in order to achieve the desired results. We also need to avoid repeating past mistakes.
“The negotiators will make sure that they counter-balance between the needs of Malawi, as the host state, and interests of the companies, as investors. The MDAs should contain provisions that strive to ensure that these companies and their investment shall endeavour to achieve the highest possible level of contribution to the sustainable development of Malawi and the local community before the agreements are signed,” Chakaka Nyirenda said.
Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources and Climate Change has sided with Chakaka Nyirenda on the issue, saying there is a need for government to tread carefully on the issue before signing the MDAs.
Committee chairperson Welani Chilenga said this Sunday.
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“Otherwise, we, as a committee, have heard that some of these companies are making unrealistic demands,” he said.
