Kikwit, 10 March 2011 – Between 2007 and 2010, the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo – which became UN Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) on 1 July 2010 – carried out a number of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in the town of Kikwit and its surroundings.

Globally a total of USD 116,327, went into QIPs projects in the areas of education, health, sanitation and the rule of law.

At Idiofa locality in the outskirts of Kikwit public toilets were built for its marketplace as well as for two educational institutions: the St Monique Primary School and the Kazama Institute. In addition to these, a water storage tank was made available at the local prison. Another QIP project is in Bulungu territory, where the local Lusanga hospital was rehabilitated and equipped. In Lunia, the local hospital's maternity center was expanded and a cesspool built and connected to the emergency room.

Other projects include the construction of an operating block at the Kibangu health center; the renovation of the operating theatre at the Kikwit clinic; the construction of five classrooms for the Marie Martine School Complex; and the rehabilitation of the Lutondo School building in Bulungu territory.

QIPs are projects designed to respond to urgent needs facing local communities. They are financed through funds placed at the disposal of the UN Mission and managed by the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Representative. Generally these projects are implemented by the communities themselves, with supervision by the UN missions.

In July 2010, the annual budget allocation for such projects reached 1.5 million USD, compared to 1 million USD for the previous year.