Citizen participation and social conflict prevention: The case of neighborhood and housing allocation in the Morococha population resettlement, Toromocho - La Oroya mining unit

Abstract

The objective of this article was to identify and describe citizen participation—considering its mechanisms, process, and level of involvement—during the allocation of housing and neighborhoods in the resettlement process associated with the Toromocho Project, as well as its influence on the prevention of social conflicts. The research was conducted using a qualitative, descriptive approach at the explanatory level with a narrative design. A sample of volunteers, consisting of social workers and residents, was used, and data were collected through interviews. The participatory process allowed the population to be involved in decision-making related to the allocation of housing and neighborhoods, facilitating the early identification of potential social conflicts and the development of agreements among the stakeholders. Citizen participation had a positive impact on the prevention of social conflicts during the housing and neighborhood allocation process in the resettlement of the new city of Morococha, which was initiated by the Toromocho Project implemented by Minera Chinalco Perú S.A., by fostering dialogue, the early identification of disputes, and the adoption of mechanisms aimed at their prevention.