Support to Local Communities of Indigenous People in Katangsky District
During the week of March 9, 2011, representatives of Irkutsk Oil Company visited several sparsely populated areas of the municipality of Nepsky – Tokma, Nepa and Ika – and attended local community meetings to listen to local residents’ proposals and concerns and report them to the company’s management. Discussions showed that residents were mostly interested in HSE-related issues, employment, and sponsorship.
Representatives of Irkutsk Oil Company explained that HSE-related issues are of the highest priority for the company, which is implementing two action plans on environmental protection and cooperation with stakeholders.
In 2011, Irkutsk Oil Company will allocate 2.5 million rubles to municipalities, NGOs, and communities of the north indigenous people of the Katangsky district. Most of these funds will be transferred in the first quarter of 2011 while the winter road is accessible.
In March 2011, the company transferred 200,000 rubles to Katanga Municipal Enterprise for the purchase of spare parts and maintenance of an AD-60 diesel power station in ‘Ika’ village which the company also sponsored. The Tokma Community received 200,000 rubles for social projects in Tokma and Bur villages and the Ilel Community was a recipient of 250,000 rubles. In addition, both communities were also provided with 100 cubic meters of gas condensate, which hunters use as fuel for boats and snowmobiles. Irkutsk Oil Company also plans to spend 300,000 rubles on the purchase of furniture for the Erbogachen village school and 100,000 rubles to help with celebrations of Reindeer Herders Day.
One month ago, the company bought an ambulance for the Katangsky hospital which had previously just one vehicle and could respond to no more than one emergency call at atime.
Irkutsk Oil Company implements an Education Program for indigenous people living in local communities. The Program has already achieved results, as seventeen residents of the Katangsky district were offered employment at INK. Meanwhile other students are always welcome to receive regular training at the company.
Photo: Meeting with locals of Tokma.Month-Long Campaign to Further Improve Performance in HSE Area | INK and Irkutsk Regional Government has signed an agreement |