The population of the Shabunda territory can finally benefit from a passable road between Shabunda-Centre and Matili, towards the province of Maniema. Thanks to funding from MONUSCO, this section was rehabilitated and was officially handed over to the local community earlier this week.
The rehabilitation of this road is of paramount importance for community resilience. Indeed, 175 beneficiaries, including demobilized and reintegrated former combatants, young people at risk and vulnerable women, were supervised as part of this rehabilitation project, in partnership with a congregation of nuns.
This rehabilitated road has a considerable impact on the economic activities of the region. Residents are pleased with the improvements: previously, it sometimes took up to three hours to travel just five kilometers on a motorbike, whereas today the same journey can be completed in an hour and a half.
Shabunda Administrator Justin Balegamire emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance of the road to ensure its sustainability: “We need to take care of this road to keep it in good condition. If we abandon it during the next rains, it risks being damaged again and all our efforts will be in vain.”
It should be noted that the rehabilitation of the Shabunda-Matili road is just one example of the numerous community works carried out by MONUSCO in the Shabunda region. The UN Mission also contributed to the rehabilitation of the water supply, thus benefiting the entire local population of this landlocked territory.
In conclusion, the rehabilitation of the Shabunda-Matili road represents a major step forward for the local population, facilitating economic exchanges and improving the quality of life of residents. However, it is important to emphasize the importance of regular maintenance of this road in order to maintain its long-term benefits. MONUSCO, before its withdrawal from the region, continues to implement projects beneficial to the Shabunda community and demonstrates a lasting commitment to the development of the region.