Mbanza-Ngungu : launch of rehabilitation works on the administrative building of the AVENIR project

The development and rehabilitation work on the administrative building of the “Empowerment through the promotion of nutrition-sensitive, inclusive and resilient agricultural and rural entrepreneurship” (AVENIR) project was launched this Tuesday, December 17 in Mbanza-Ngungu.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the local authority, officials from the ministries of agriculture and rural development in the Mbanza-Ngungu territory, officials from the AVENIR Project/Mbanza-Ngungu Antenna, local civil society as well as women's organizations.

This Congolese government program aims to promote entrepreneurship in rural areas, specifically targeting young people, women, people living with disabilities and all people working in rural areas.

The project concerns four provinces surrounding Kinshasa, including Kongo Central, Kwilu, Kwango and Mai-Ndombe. For Kongo Central, Mbanza-Ngungu houses the administrative headquarters, while other project activities extend to the territory of Lukula, considered a pole of economic development, and to the territory of Tshela.

According to Guylaine Matindi, Head of Branch of the AVENIR Project in Mbanza-Ngungu, the main objective is the reduction of rural poverty

" “Today was the official launch of the rehabilitation work. The objective of this project is to reduce rural poverty and ensure nutritional care for the health of our children, pregnant women and breastfeeding women. The project targets young people, women, people living with disabilities and all those who work in rural areas, ” she said.

For his part, Leby Mokanse, Site Manager Engineer of the Civil and Hydraulic Engineering Company (EGCH), detailed the technical aspects of the work.

“The planned work is carried out at two levels: equipment and development. For our part, we focus on the layout. Lessors have placed their trust in us, and we will work to provide a worthy building for this project.”

He also assured that the work will be carried out within two months. “We will ensure that the work is completed on time, which is two months. » « Nous allons veiller à ce que les travaux soient achevés dans les délais, soit deux mois. »

The Administrator of the Mbanza-Ngungu territory, Willy Makumbani, welcomed this initiative, which is part of the vision of the Head of State Félix Tshisekedi. He also urged the executing company to use local labor in order to further involve the inhabitants of the region.

As a reminder, the AVENIR Project extends over a period of 7 years (2023-2030) and targets four provinces surrounding Kinshasa (Kongo Central, Kwango, Kwilu, Mai-Ndombe) as well as the outskirts of Kinshasa. It will benefit 450,000 rural households, or around 2.6 million people, with particular attention to 50% women and 50% young people.

Frédéric Nkedi