The role of stadiums in the development of the Congolese cities of Goma and Bunia
The Democratic Republic of Congo celebrates the acquisition of several infrastructures financed by Sino-Congolaise des Mines (SICOMINES S.A.) in the cities of Goma and Bunia. Among these infrastructures are two stadiums with a capacity of 10,000 seats each, which will constitute a major asset for the local population in terms of sports and leisure activities.
The construction of these stadiums was made possible thanks to the financing of SICOMINES and the collaboration with the Congolese Agency for Major Works (ACGT), which supervises the project. These infrastructures will provide the inhabitants of Goma and Bunia with a quality framework for practicing sports, organizing events and enjoying healthy leisure activities.
The reactions of the population were not long in coming, expressing their satisfaction with the completion of these stages. The inhabitants of Bunia are delighted to finally be able to have a suitable space for their sporting activities, while the provincial authorities of Goma have officially received the keys to the stadium, thus marking its inauguration.
These new stadiums are only the first phase of the SICOMINES infrastructure project. Indeed, a second phase is planned, including the supply of electricity, the development of car parks, the construction of a boundary wall and the development of an access road. ACGT engineers are currently collecting the necessary data to carry out this second stage.
In addition to the direct impact on sports and leisure activities, these stadiums will help improve access to leisure for the local population, especially young people. They will finally have a place to spend their free time, thus promoting their physical and psychological development. In addition, these infrastructures will strengthen young people’s ability to adapt and integrate during group activities.
It is also important to underline that these stages were possible thanks to the cooperation between different actors. SICOMINES financed the project, SISC was responsible for the construction and ACGT supervised the work. The Agency for Steering, Coordination and Monitoring of Conventions (APSCC) ensured the general coordination of the project.
In short, the acquisition of these new stadiums in Goma and Bunia represents a major step forward for the development of these Congolese towns. Not only will these infrastructures provide a space for quality sports practice, but they will also contribute to strengthening the well-being and development of the local population, in particular young people. This project is the result of a successful collaboration between different actors, thus demonstrating the possibility of achieving great progress through cooperation.