By MARTIN MUSUNKA –

GOVERNMENT has assured Barrick Lumwana Mining Company that it stands ready to provide a conducive atmosphere to undertake its core business in response to the elaborate social investment package that it has rolled out to the local communities of North Western Province.
Speaking during a handover of a 1 X 3 classroom block at Muyashi Primary School in Chief Matebo’s chiefdom, acting Solwezi District Commissioner, Chipawa Chipawa said Government noted with satisfaction Lumwana’s gesture of ploughing back to the community.
Mr Chipawa said he felt proud to be part of the official handover of the structure which had been built at a cost of K204,113 for the school.
He said this signaled the mining company’s positive involvement in the development of school infrastructure in the area.
He said it was relieving that the mine’s contribution to the Muyanshi community would help decongest classrooms and improve the quality of education in the chiefdom.
Mr Chipawa also cautioned parents in the area against marrying off young girls, instead advised them to encourage children to enjoy their right to education for them to effectively compete for economic benefits derived from successful learning.
While advising parents against marrying off young girls, Mr Chipawa pleaded with girls to remain focused on their education and avoid ill-behaviour that could lead to teenage pregnancies that would endanger their lives and terminate their prospects of becoming better citizens.
Barrick Gold Corporation director of operations Brian Grebenc said the handing over of the school infrastructure to Muyashi, was yet another demonstration by the mine, of delivering development to the grassroots through the involvement of the local community.
Mr Grebenc said the mining company was committed to the improvement of quality education services as it believed education was critical for fostering economic and social development.
He said this in a message delivered on his behalf by the mine’s community development coordinator, Christopher Mukala.
Mr Grebenc said the mine paid attention to the quality of education through the school infrastructure development and various educational scholarship programmes.
Chief Matebo thanked Lumwana Mining Company for erecting the school structure which would assist in decongesting classrooms and improve the quality of education of the people in his chiefdom.
Chief Matebo who spoke through his representative, David Mumbelunga, said he would always embrace any form of development for his chiefdom.
He also appealed to other corporate organisations to come on board to help the local people in education and health sector improvement. Story:courtesy of SUMA SYSTEMS.