KCLDMC Concludes Contract Review Mechanism with Jalk Enterprise at Kpatawee Waterfall in Bong

BONG — The Kpatawee Community Land Development and Management Committees (KCLDMC) has concluded a contract review mechanism with Jalk Enterprise, the entity managing the Kpatawee Waterfall in Electoral District #5, Bong County.

KCLDMC, a non-governmental organization established by the sons and daughters of Kpatawee Clan, aims to advance their community through peaceful dialogue and collaboration with Jalk Enterprise. This partnership seeks to contribute meaningfully to the clan’s developmental agenda and Bong County’s growth.

Jalk Enterprise signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kpatawee Clan on December 19, 2019, to manage the waterfall. The agreement is set to expire on December 19, 2024.

At the contract review, Clan Chief Menpakeh Darwokalar emphasized the need for Jalk Enterprise to account for the clan’s benefits accrued during the past five years of managing the waterfall. He stated that the community would only consider an extension or increment in the contract if Jalk Enterprise fulfilled its financial obligations. He reiterated his advocacy for the well-being of the Kpatawee people and the preservation of the waterfall.

Chief Darwokalar also highlighted that the dialogue and contract review aimed to address ongoing disputes between the citizens and Jalk Enterprise, which have occasionally disrupted operations at the waterfall.

Emmanuel A. Newman, Chairman of KCLDMC, commended both the citizens and Jalk Enterprise for their cooperation during the contract review discussions. He noted that the committee’s stance, as echoed by Chief Darwokalar, reflects a collective decision from the 19 affected communities within the clan.

Newman acknowledged the efforts of Jalk Enterprise in beautifying the Kpatawee Waterfall and employing local citizens from the affected communities. He described these actions as commendable contributions to the clan’s development.

Josephine Richardson, Manager of Jalk Enterprise, expressed gratitude to KCLDMC and the clan leadership for maintaining peace at the waterfall. She requested additional time to settle the outstanding benefits, pledging to consult with her management team and provide feedback by December 22, 2024.

Richardson attributed delays in payment to disagreements among local leaders regarding the rightful recipients of the waterfall’s benefits. To avoid further confusion, she supported the community’s request to establish an account for benefit deposits, ensuring transparency and accountability.

She urged the citizens to remain united for the betterment of Kpatawee Clan and Bong County at large, promising a renewed commitment to the developmental agenda of the community.

In May of this year, Kpatawee Clan residents protested against Jalk Enterprise, leading to the temporary closure of the waterfall. Protesters accused the management of violating the terms of the MOU, including encroaching on farmland, and demanded the immediate departure of Richardson and Kuku Danies, another member of the management team.

During the protest, residents blocked access roads, halting vehicles and motorcycles. Tensions escalated as angry youths threatened to destroy the facilities if management did not vacate the area.

The conflict was eventually resolved through the intervention of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, and Bong County Superintendent Hawa Norris. They persuaded residents to reconsider their demands and reopen the waterfall, restoring normal operations in Suakoko District #5, Bong County.