The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
In one such “act” seen by AFP, a home owner was given just 10 days to demolish his house.
Compensation for each family ranged “between 1,500 and 10,000 dollars (1,200 to 8,200 euros)”, a Synergie member said.
For the authorities, the fuss is exaggerated.
“The Kasulo relocation was a success,” said Ikos Rukal, a spokesman for the provincial government.
“Let those who are not happy come back to the ministry of mines and we will find answers for them,” he said.
The effect of the cobalt rush is being felt in other areas in Kolwezi, in the Bel-Air district, where Ruashi Mining has also concluded “irrevocable acts of compensation” with residents.
In the so-called Gecamines district, the architecture would be familiar to anyone who has seen the streets of former mining communities in northern Europe. The homes comprise small stone houses, built decades ago for executives of the state mining company Gecamines.
Today, this is another community that faces being ripped apart as mines and quarries operated by another Chinese firm called Commus plan to expand.
Former Gecamines employee Robert Mombwe has lived in the same house for 30 years.
But he says he is ready to leave — if the deal is right.
“If you have a four-room house, they have to build you a six-room house,” he adds.
Others have decided to sell their house for sums of up to 40,000 dollars so that the machines can move in.
