The Stabilization and Recovery of Eastern DRC (STAR-EST) project was recently launched during a presentation workshop held in Beni, in the province of North Kivu. This program, financed by the World Bank (WB), is part of a long-term development perspective aimed at implementing concrete actions for the rehabilitation of 8 road axes identified as priorities by local authorities.
The main objective of this five-year project is to promote the socio-economic development of the region by improving the accessibility of populations to basic services. The rehabilitation work on the roads will be carried out with an emphasis on the use of local labor in order to maximize the positive impact on the beneficiary communities.
Beyond the infrastructure aspect, STAR-EST also aims to promote the stabilization and reintegration of community-based mobilizers, as well as to strengthen decentralized governance in the region. This holistic approach to development emphasizes the involvement of local populations in the management and implementation of projects, thus promoting greater ownership and sustainability of the initiatives implemented.
The feedback from beneficiaries is encouraging, testifying to the positive impact that the project can have on the living conditions of the populations. Josué Kapisa, chief of the Nzuma district, emphasizes the importance of ensuring effective and sustainable improvement, stressing the importance of the participatory and consultative aspect in the implementation of development interventions.
The role of local communities is essential in the success of STAR-EST, as emphasized by the provincial coordinator Jean-Claude Kasomo. It is essential that the populations take ownership of the project and actively participate in its monitoring and evaluation. By promoting the reporting of needs through local development committees, the project ensures that it responds effectively and appropriately to the expectations of the different communities.
In conclusion, the STAR-EST project represents a major opportunity to stimulate the socio-economic development of eastern DRC. By promoting the active participation of local populations, strengthening decentralized governance and focusing on the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure, this program is part of a perspective of building a better and more prosperous future for the inhabitants of the region.