Infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo bears the scars of years of war, civil unrest and lack of investment. A broad range of projects have been completed to date, yielding improvements in the local roads and sanitation systems.

Initiatives have included the reconstruction and maintenance of roads in and around Kolwezi, including restoration of the road between Kanina and Kapata and a section of the road between Kolwezi and Nguba, the former employing workers who were previously artisanal miners. Both projects had significant socio-economic benefits for the communities as well as the mining sector.

In the area of sanitation, we involved workers previously engaged in artisanal mining in clearing drains in local communities, including 3,000 meters of drains in Manika clogged after 20 years of neglect. This improves the environment and reduces still-water propagation of malaria. We are in discussions to create a sustainable sanitation business in Kolwezi to employ up to 100 people.

Key priorities during 2008 are refurbishing the Nguba to Kolwezi Road to a dependable year-round route suitable for heavy traffic and working with local government officials and planning authorities to rehabilitate streets in Kolwezi.