Bukavu, 27 June 2013 - The South-Kivu Governor, Marcellin Cishambo, inaugurated on 26 June 2013, a quick impact project of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), aiming at bringing electricity to the prison of Kabare and the surrounding areas in Orientale Province. The ceremony was attended by the Chief of MONUSCO office in the South Kivu, Aliou Sene, as well as several provincial authorities.

During the handover of the project Mr. Aliou Sene said the power supply unit, which is supposed to bring electricity to the prison was a "symbol to inspire those responsible for mentoring and guarding the detainees. As such, their conduct should be beyond reproach." "It is also a symbol insofar as it will continue to inspire the detainees when they are set free," he added.

Mr. Sene further took this opportunity to stress the need for the Government to take its responsibilities and "to ensure that inmates are held in good conditions and that the prison staff is working under the best conditions possible in order to enable them to carry out their duties with professionalism.

Before handing the generator over to the Ministry of Justice, the provincial governor, Mr. Cishambo, praised MONUSCO for its gesture, and said it fit into the efforts for the restoration of State Authority.

Governor Cishambo also said he would need the help of MONUSCO Police as well as its force in the DR Congo for a safe and swift transfer of detainees from the old prison unit to the new one.

The cost of the quick impact project was US $23,294. MONUSCO was able to rehabilitate the power supply unit, which now brings electricity to the prison and its surroundings. The 160-kva generator will also provide electricity to not only the administrative buildings but also to about fifty households in the vicinity of the prison.

Between July 2012 and June 2013, MONUSCO has spent $ 237,000 of its quick impact project funds on several public projects in the DR Congo.

Alain Likota/MONUSCO