Through its Civil Affairs Section, MONUSCO launched construction work on Monday, October 26, on the Mayi-Moya market in Beni Territory, North Kivu. The project, implemented under the Quick Impact Projects (QIP) programme, has a budget of US$49,000 and aims to improve trade in local products. It is expected to contribute to strengthening social cohesion in an area affected by insecurity.
The construction work, which is expected to take three months, will provide the locality with modern infrastructure suited to the needs of traders and surrounding communities.
A key commercial hub
Located in Liva locality, within the Bambuba-Kisiki groupement, Mayi-Moya is an important commercial crossroads for rural communities in Beni Territory. Despite security challenges linked to recurrent attacks by ADF fighters, the market remains a major trading point for agricultural and forest products from surrounding villages.
Until now, most traders have displayed their goods directly on the ground, leaving them vulnerable to bad weather and resulting in significant economic losses. The new infrastructure is therefore expected to provide a safer and more suitable environment for commercial activities.
Appropriate infrastructure
The project includes the construction of two market sheds, each measuring 25 metres by 15 metres, an administrative office, and a sanitation block with two separate sections for men and women. The facilities will also be accessible to persons with disabilities.
The work will also include improvements to the areas surrounding the market, particularly rainwater drainage and the paving of critical sections to facilitate movement for market users, even during the rainy season.
According to Patrick Musuabo, president of the local civil society organisation, this infrastructure addresses a genuine need among the population.
“Everyone comes to the market. Everyone will come here to buy essential goods, especially since we are close to the fields,” he explained.
More than 13,000 beneficiaries
According to estimates, approximately 13,000 people will directly benefit from this project, at least 60 per cent of whom are women and girls.
Beyond improving traders’ working conditions, the project is expected to reduce losses caused by bad weather and expand economic opportunities for young people.
In a region affected by insecurity and intercommunal tensions, the market is also seen as a space that encourages trade, dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The head of the Bambuba-Kisiki groupement highlighted the economic and social significance of this infrastructure:
“Mayi-Moya is the crossroads for the local communities’ forest concessions, and all the products from these concessions pass through here and are sold directly on the ground, in the rain. This market represents the return of peace, the restoration of State authority, and peaceful coexistence among local communities. We thank MONUSCO, which is not simply building a market shed, but rather building hope for Mayi-Moya.”
Through this initiative, MONUSCO aims to address the needs of local communities while supporting community recovery efforts. By improving living conditions and economic prospects for residents, this quick-impact project also seeks to strengthen social cohesion and the resilience of Mayi-Moya’s communities in the face of security and socioeconomic challenges.
Martial Mukeba wa Mukeba
