Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) recently raised objections in opposition to the enactment of the Bill entitled: "The Mines and Minerals Act 2009".

These objections have yielded results as MPs yesterday, 16th November 2009, unanimously agreed to re-introduce the Bill in Parliament.

This came in the wake of several objections made by civil society organizations across the country against the Bill recently tabled in the House of Parliament by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Political Affairs, Alpha Kanu.

SLPP Members of Parliament, representing Kailahun District, Hon. Moinina Conteh described the Bill as outdated, whilst noting that the Minister’s signature was not appended in the Bill. He furthered that Bills tabled in Parliament by government ministers must have the signature of the pilot Minister appended to it.

Hon. Conteh said the Bill was improper, whilst expressing the dire need for amendments.

Hon. Komba Koedoyoma of the SLPP representing Kono District highlighted that the Bill did not have any subsequent notice with regards publication, since it was first gazzetted on the 29 October. "There has been no follow up," the MP cited.

He however pointed out that Parliament will set the wrong precedence to pass the said Bill in a rush.

The SLPP MPs also raised concerns that the Bill must not be enacted until consultations are held with the local people concerned, especially those in the mining sector.