A compromise found between the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi and the mining companies Excellent Minerals and COMILU opens the way to coexistence between mining operations and education.
The threat hanging over Lubusha High School, in the locality of Lwisha, about a hundred kilometers from Lubumbashi, is receding. After several months of discussions, a compromise was found on September 10 between the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi, owner of the establishment, and the mining companies Excellent Minerals and Compagnie minière de Lwisha (COMILU).
The agreement enshrines the maintenance of this school dedicated to the education of young girls, despite the proximity of mining activities. The three parties committed to preserving coexistence between mining operations and school activities, with priority given to safety, tranquility and continuity of education.
DAMAGES TO BE REPAIRED
Beyond maintaining the high school, the mining companies will also have to cover the damage caused to school infrastructure. Some of it is said to be related to the use of explosives in mining operations.
This measure should make it possible to restore the conditions necessary for the proper functioning of the establishment and to reduce the risks linked to the proximity of extractive activities. The needs of Lubusha High School will also have to be taken into account in the companies’ specifications, in accordance with the provisions of the Congolese Mining Code.
PRESERVING AN EDUCATIONAL HERITAGE
Built more than 70 years ago, Lubusha High School constitutes an important educational heritage in the region. The prospect of its relocation had raised concerns, particularly because of its role in the education of young girls.
For the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi, the issue therefore goes beyond the sole question of infrastructure. It is about preserving a space devoted to education while allowing mining activities to continue in a concerted framework.
The vicar general for works of the Archdiocese, Mgr Emmanuel Mumba, also indicated that the provincial authority had committed to closely monitor the security situation around the site.
The agreement concluded in Lwisha thus illustrates the need for permanent dialogue between mining operators, communities and local institutions. In mining areas, the search for this balance appears to be an essential condition for reconciling mining development and protection of priority social sectors.
Héritier Maila
Keywords: Lubusha High School, Lwisha, Haut-Katanga, mining, Excellent Minerals, COMILU, Archdiocese of Lubumbashi, Mining Code, education, young girls, social responsibility.
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