A group of 14 young people from the Sorri-Sorris Community and the surrounding area of Khorixas Constituency handed over a petition to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources. 

They expressed their dismay at the current court case involving Ultimate Safaris, Doro !nawas Conservancy and Uibasen Conservancy against mining operators in the area, under the pretext of safeguarding land for tourism purposes.

The residents say that these entities have no legal standing in the Daure Daman Traditional area, where a mine is set to be in operation, aimed at providing employment and improving living conditions for residents.

They say that although tourist operators are bringing foreign income, it has no tangible benefits for locals in terms of employment and infrastructure development, adding that 90% of employees working in tourism are brought in from other areas.

They further stated that the area is a historical mining area where miners have co-existed with wildlife for ages.

"We, the local community of Sorri-Sorris and the surrounding area in the Khorixas constituency, are here to express our deep dismay at alarming incidents where individuals without a vested interest in the well-being of local residents are using the local courts to gain preferential treatment without prior consultation or proper consideration of local needs. The current court case of Ultimate Safaris, Doro !nawas Conservancy and Uibasen Conservancy against the mining operators has the potential of spiralling into a standoff with the local community," said Gwayneth ||Garoes, a community member.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Dr. Tobie Aupindi, received the petition.

"I think we are very well aware that there is a court case going on right now. And therefore, the matter is sub judice on one side. But, court or no court, we will always carry the interest of our people at heart. That's why we are elected. That's why we are members of the Natural Resource Committee. The issues that you raised are of paramount importance. Economic development for us should be people-centred, aimed at empowering communities."