Speaking
to
CITE
on
condition
of
anonymity,
villagers
expressed
surprise
at
this
development,
noting
that
no
consultations
had
been
conducted
by
community
leaders
with
the
residents
regarding
the
matter.
They
voiced
concerns
about
the
potential
impact
of
mining
on
their
homes
and
the
environment,
citing
examples
from
other
areas
where
companies
have
focused
solely
on
extraction,
leaving
behind
degraded
landscapes.
Ward
6
Councillor
Alson
Ntini
sought
to
ease
these
concerns,
explaining
that
the
group
is
currently
conducting
preliminary
studies
to
determine
whether
diamonds
are
present
in
the
area.
“If
diamonds
are
found,
it
would
represent
a
significant
development
opportunity
for
the
community,”
said
Cllr
Ntini.
“Tests
have
already
been
conducted
earlier,
including
an
aerial
survey
to
assess
the
area’s
potential
for
diamonds.
Following
that,
this
group
is
now
on
the
ground
to
perform
physical
tests.
They
will
dig
between
20
and
50
meters
deep
to
collect
samples
for
further
analysis
in
laboratories.”
He
added,
“Once
everything
is
verified,
they
will
commence
mining
operations.
This
is
a
welcome
development
for
our
area
because
if
diamonds
are
indeed
found,
the
community
stands
to
benefit.
“Our
children
could
find
employment
at
the
mine,
as
all
manual
labor
positions
that
do
not
require
specific
expertise
will
be
sourced
from
within
our
community.
This
will
create
much-needed
job
opportunities
for
our
youth.
Additionally,
the
company
has
committed
to
giving
back
by
providing
various
resources
for
local
development.
However,
this
will
only
be
confirmed
once
all
processes
are
complete
and
mining
operations
actually
begin.”