30 June 2010
As DRC celebrates 50 years of independence from Belgium, we look at DFID's role in tackling poverty in a country blighted by conflict.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of independence in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following two civil wars and decades of instability, the country has made strides towards peace, stability and development in recent years.
The UK is one of the largest supporters of development in DRC.
UKaid has helped to open more than 1,000 km of rural roads, reducing journey times from days to hours. New roads open up markets to local traders and enable people living in isolated rural communities to access essential services, such as health centres.
We are also supporting the rehabilitation and maintenance of over 1,200 kilometres of national roads, which will improve communication between major urban centres.
UKaid is also helping citizens of the country to play a greater role in the rebuilding of their country whether through voting or by taking part in the reconstruction of their own communities.
With the support of UKaid, 18 million people in the DRC were able to vote for the first time in 2006, in the first democratic elections the country had seen for more than 40 years. UKaid continues to fund elections in the DRC, to ensure that everyone who is eligible to vote is able to do so.
Over a period of three years, as many as one in six people (more than 10 million) in DRC are set to benefit from UK support. In eastern DRC for example, 3.2 million people will see the construction of essential services in their villages. Around 2,600 projects – including the construction and equipping of classrooms and health centres – have been implemented to date as part of the Tuungane project, a major community-driven reconstruction programme, backed by UKaid. Communities receive a grant as part of the project and decide how to spend the money.
Enormous challenges lie ahead for the government and people of the DRC to realise their country's potential. The UK is proud to be playing its part to help the people of DRC to improve their lives and their country.