A solar-powered street lighting system is improving security along more than 500 meters in the territory of Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The solar-powered streetlights were funded by the United Nations Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO).
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the territory of Beni has a sad reputation because of the insecurity that has lasted for decades. To reduce this phenomenon, which caused the death of 12 people just two weeks ago, the United Nations Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) is focusing on public lighting.
In addition to its mission to protect civilians from incursions by armed groups, MONUSCO has financed solar-powered streetlights that light up 500 meters in the town of Mavivi. The streetlights, 28 in all, are installed on a stretch of road running from the Mavivi reference health center to the main road. MONUSCO has included this work in its quick impact projects.
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“The beneficiaries of this project, notably the medical staff of the referral center, the local authorities and the population of the area welcome this action,” MONUSCO said. The village of Mavivi is populated by 30,000 inhabitants who rely on the referral hospital for their health care. The installation of the solar-powered street lamps that light the main access road to the health center cost nearly 76 million Congolese francs, more than $35,000.
“This health structure receives all categories of people who need help, even at night. Since the hospital is located far from the village, the lack of public lighting was a major handicap for receiving and treating patients,” said Dr. Sadraka Kambale, the chief medical officer of the health zone in Oicha, the capital of Beni territory in North Kivu province.
Jean Marie Takouleu
