Goma, 12 November 2012 – On 6 and 7 November 2012, a World Bank delegation led by Luigi Giovine, Lead Operations Officer in DRC, carried out an assessment mission in Nord Kivu.

This visit, which was organized with the support of MONUSCO Stabilization Support Unit, was part of the Stabilization and Reconstruction Plan for Areas Emerging from Armed Conflict (STAREC). Specifically, these experts visited Goma to observe the extent of the humanitarian and economic crisis in eastern DRC in order to assess the needs and identify support mechanisms to be implemented.

During a meeting with Mr. Axel Queval, Head of Office ad interim of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), Mr. Giovine indicated that "the World Bank is committed to supporting all the actions of the international community aimed at helping the Nord Kivu province in its efforts towards peace and sustainable development".
During the discussions with the local authorities, notably Mr. Julien Paluku, Governor of Nord Kivu, the delegation was particularly interested in the sectors of good governance, infrastructures and energy. Mr. Paluku explained to his guests that "throughout Nord Kivu territories, the population is affected by a lack of electricity, drinking water and the poor state of roads".

For Mr. Lewis Kanyoko, MONUSCO Stabilization Support Unit Coordinator, this was a successful visit. "The delegation has already indicated that initially the World Bank has $40 million to invest in the STAREC areas," he said; while encouraging the experts of this financial and development international institution to visit the Grand Nord (northern part of the province of Nord Kivu) "where there is currently a great economic potential".

Clara Padovan/ MONUSCO