Kisangani, 4 May 2011 – Two water fountains were inaugurated in the neighborhood of Lubunga, Kisangani, by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), and handed over to the local authorities in an official ceremony on 3 May.

The two water sources were rehabilitated as part of MONUSCO's Quick Impact Projects designed as a response to the population's most direct and pressing needs.

MONUSCO's Electoral Division, which initiated this project named the fountains "Voters' Water Source". The 4,540 US dollar project was implemented in partnership with a local NGO called Fédération des ONG laiques à Vocation économique (FOLECO, Congolese Federation of Secular NGOs with Economic Vocation).

Speaking on behalf of the Head of MONUSCO's regional office, the Electoral Division's Coordinator, Mr Hamadi Diallo, said the two water fountains will be used as a rallying point to raise awareness about voters' registration underway in Lubunga since 2 April.

We are naming the fountains "Voters' Water Source", he said, "so that every city dweller who comes to fetch water here is reminded of his or her legitimate right and duty to participate in the development of his community". "He or she may not exercise this right or duty unless he or she is registered," Mr Diallo added.

District's authorities, FOLECO representatives, and a number of town dwellers present, all thanked MONUSCO for this project, which they said will go a long way in alleviating the difficulties that families used to face in search of clean and potable water.

Codjo Houegniglo/MONUSCO