The rehabilitation of a road linking Shabunda-Centre to Matili, in Maniema province, was recently completed. This 30-kilometer stretch was made passable thanks to funding from MONUSCO, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This road rehabilitation aims to promote the resilience of the local population by improving accessibility and living conditions. The beneficiaries of this project include demobilized and reintegrated former combatants, young people at risk and vulnerable women. The partnership with a religious congregation made it possible to supervise and support 175 people throughout this project.
This rehabilitated road has a significant impact on the economic activities of the region. It makes it possible to optimize journeys and reduce travel times. One beneficiary is delighted with this improvement, saying that previously it took three hours to travel just 5 kilometers by motorbike, while today it only takes an hour and a half for the same journey.
However, to ensure the sustainability of this infrastructure, the administrator of Shabunda, Justin Balegamire, emphasizes the importance of its regular maintenance. He warns of the risk of rapid deterioration if the road is not maintained, which would cancel out the benefits of the work carried out.
It should be noted that the rehabilitation of this road is not the only action undertaken by MONUSCO in the Shabunda region. Before their withdrawal, they also participated in the rehabilitation of other community infrastructure, such as water supply, with the aim of supporting and improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of this isolated area.
The Shabunda-Matili road is therefore a concrete example of the efforts made to stimulate development and improve the quality of life of local communities. However, it is important to continue investing in the maintenance of these infrastructures in order to guarantee their sustainability and maximize their positive impact on the population.