Kwale CDAC funds not for specific community, residents told

Community Development Agreement Committee chairperson Mshenga Vuya Ruga has told off Kwale residents who have accused him of sidelining them in development funds.

This is after Makonde community chairman Thomas Nguli alleged that they have been locked out of the CDAC programme despite being a minority group.

Ruga said the money is meant to support all communities in Kwale through sustainable development projects, regardless of gender or tribe.

"The agreement states that whoever is in Kwale must benefit, especially the communities that are directly affected by mining activities. It doesn't indicate a specific person or community," he said.

The CDAC committee was formed last year as a commitment to fulfil the 2016 Mining Act that provides guidelines for the Australian Mining Firm Base Titanium to cede one per cent of its total annual revenue for community development.

Ruga said every community is benefiting from the CDAC projects, including the Makonde.

He said the Makonde are part of the residents living around the mine.

Ruga said when they distribute food, build schools, desks and offer scholarships for the benefit of all, not a few individuals.

He made the remarks while inspecting the construction of Gombato CDAC maternity wing in Ukunda.

Ruga said before the committee was formed, Base Titanium used to assist residents on personal grounds, but the CDAC rules are rigid and cannot be bent for individuals gain.

"The law is crystal clear that the money should be used for the benefit of the community and not a person. Any alteration would be a violation of CDAC policies," he said.

Ruga said he has no authority to change the rules and his actions as chairman would be questioned if he did things contrary to the signed agreement.

He also denied allegations that the committee is implementing projects for self-interest.

Some residents have complained that most projects being implemented are not the ones they proposed.

But Ruga said residents are always involved in public participation and their views are captured before a project is initiated.

"We went to every village educating people about CDAC and seeking recommendations on what they want for development," he said. 

Ruga told the residents to be patient, saying the committee cannot implement all the projects at once because of budget.

He said they allocated Sh15 million to cater to education sponsorship programme. The programme prioritises blue economy and technical courses.

Ruga said they have delivered 3,500 desks to schools within the county.

He said they have also improved roads such as Zigira-Barcelona, Kinondo and Magaoni in Msambweni.

Ruga said they are yet to release Sh10 million business revolving fund to empower small-scale traders and people living with disabilities.

Edited by A.N