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CCJP hails equality project in Karonga

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) of Karonga Diocese says it has improved the delivery of services in health and education sectors as well as working conditions in the mining sector in Karonga District.

The diocese’s monitoring and evaluation officer Simeon Bwinga said this on Thursday during the district’s executive committee meeting.

Workers captured at a quarry mine in T/A Kilupula in Karonga. | Jordan Simeon-Phiri

He said although the Fighting Inequalities Project was phasing out, it achieved its objectives.

Said Bwinga: “Through this project, whose thematic areas focused on health, education and mining, we facilitated the completion of the construction of a mortuary at Chilumba Rural Hospital, the establishment of community mining committees who mediate between investors and the community on sticky issues.

“Additionally, some miners have constructed people’s houses at Hara Health Centre in Traditional Authority [T/As] Wasambo and some have built teachers’ houses and school blocks in T/A Kilupula and Kyungu.”

He, however, lamented continued flouting of labour-related laws by some mining companies.

“Above all, we are happy that we helped in capacity building of community committees and engaged Karonga labour and environmental offices to sustain the project,” said Bwinga.

Karonga district labour officer Peck Chawinga commended CCJP for helping to reduce inequalities in several areas, including the mining sector.

“We will continue to conduct inspections in mining areas in the district to ensure that both employees and employers know about labour laws to ensure justice,” he said.

With financial support from the Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid, CCJP was implementing Fighting Inequalities Project in the district.

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