Civil society coordination in Ituri has now its own office premises. It was built by MONUSCO quick impact project worth $41,000. The building was officially handed to the civil society coordination by Mr. M’hand Ladjouzi, Chief of the UN Mission in Bunia, in a ceremony attended by local provincial authorities in Ituri to make the coordination more dynamic.

Jean Bosco Lalo, civil society leader in Ituri said the 108 square meter premises are equipped with a conference room and five working offices, highlighting “the civil society now has an official address after having rented for over 17 years.”

The donated office premises named “Civil society house” is a token for MONUSCO that carries the following meaning “this space will serve as a platform for the different associations and NGOs divided into thematic groups to adhere to the formal operating mechanisms of the consultation and dialogue framework on public policies. The office is also designed to enhance the diagnosis of the partnership between the consultation framework and the government as well with technical and financial partners.”

Ladjouzi further says for MONUSCO, “this gesture is a contribution to revitalize the local dynamic and play up the good image of those who work in this sector”. All the civil society delegates coming from the 5 territories of Ituri also attended the ceremony.

The resident official in Bunia, Ferdinand Fimbo, as far as concerned, told the beneficiary of MONUSCO’s project to make better use of it.

“We would like to see the civil society coordination in Ituri take good care of the premises as good father of family,” he said, adding “we hope the work to be done by the civil society coordination shall expand to other offices in the territories to justify the presence of the civil society in Ituri”.

The premises was built with additional support from the provincial Government, says Jean Bosco Lalo with “donated piece of land for the office to be built.” The office is located near the military court of Bunia.