The announcement that UNDP has agreed to support the five-year Maniema provincial development program is a major step forward for this region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This commitment underlines the importance given to local development by the authorities and international organizations, aimed at improving the living conditions of the populations and promoting sustainable growth in the province.
Barthelemy Bato, UNDP coordinator for the Eastern zone, explained in a recent interview on Radio Okapi that this support is part of an integrated program aimed at supporting decentralization, local governance and development planning. This collaboration between UNDP and the Maniema provincial authorities demonstrates a common desire to work together to implement concrete projects that benefit the local population.
The work to update the Maniema provincial development plan for the period 2024-2028, which recently took place in Kindu, benefited from technical and financial support from UNDP. This approach demonstrates a participatory and inclusive approach, where local stakeholders are involved in developing policies and projects that directly concern them.
Barthelemy Bato stressed the importance of this work to update the provincial development plan, which makes it possible to set clear and realistic objectives for the years to come. He also highlighted UNDP’s commitment to supporting Maniema’s development efforts, by providing its expertise and resources to strengthen local capacities and promote sustainable economic growth.
This collaboration between UNDP and Maniema’s provincial authorities illustrates the need for a multidimensional approach to address development challenges and improve people’s living conditions. By working together, these stakeholders are helping to build a better future for Maniema and create opportunities for progress for all its inhabitants.
In conclusion, UNDP’s commitment alongside Maniema to support its five-year provincial development program is a crucial step in implementing concrete actions for local development. This collaboration demonstrates the shared desire to promote inclusive and sustainable growth in the province, by mobilizing the resources and expertise necessary to achieve this ambitious objective.