Nearly 2,000 Jobs Expected in Mahagi Road Works

The STAR-RDC project in Mahagi territory, Ituri province, is set to create employment for nearly 2,000 local workers. This initiative focuses on rehabilitating two strategic road axes, aiming to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity in the region. The project is financed by the World Bank and will restore approximately 65 kilometers of vital road infrastructure.

Community mobilization for the project began on June 2, with project officials engaging local authorities and community representatives. The goal is to ensure community support for the construction work, which is scheduled to commence this June. The rehabilitation efforts will cover two main routes: one connecting Bala to Ndrele via Ambegu, and another from Surupka to Ndawe, passing through Thedeja, Ramogi, and Zii. This will significantly improve access for dozens of villages.

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These two road sections drain more or less 35 large villages for a volume estimated at nearly 2,000 workers.

Steeve Sengida, the provincial project manager for STAR-RDC in Ituri, outlined the recruitment criteria. He stated that the road sections are expected to serve around 35 villages, requiring an estimated 2,000 workers. A key aspect of the hiring process is the commitment to gender equality and social reintegration: 50% of the jobs will be reserved for women, and targeted opportunities will be provided for ex-combatants. This approach aims to support the socio-economic recovery of communities impacted by past conflicts.

The project's objective extends beyond mere infrastructure improvement. It aims to create sustainable economic opportunities for the riverside communities by enhancing road conditions and providing direct employment. The recruitment and sensitization phases are currently underway in the affected villages, with the construction work expected to begin shortly after these activities conclude.

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50% of jobs will be reserved for women. Ex-combatants are also among the targeted beneficiaries to support the socio-economic recovery of communities affected by conflicts.