The MINUSCA Burundi Contingent handed over two newly-renovated structures to local authorities in the Central African Republic’s Ombela Mpoko and Njoukou sub-prefectures.

 The commander of the 750-strong Burundi Contingent (BURBATT), Colonel Jean Pierre Hakizimana, and a MINUSCA representative, Raphael Gantada, handed over the refurbished Damara Commune building in Ombela Mpoko to the local mayor on 3 December 2020.

Only a day earlier, the contingent had unveiled the restored Kpaya Bridge in Njoukou sub-prefecture. Bridge reconstruction – a MINUSCA-funded Quick Impact Project (QIP) to the tune of over 24,800,000 CFA – was carried out by the Non-Governmental Organization Tabitha with the technical support of BURBATT engineers.

While handing over the Damara Commune building, Raphael Gantada highlighted support for the restoration of State authority – a core component of the MINUSCA mandate – and providing a suitable working environment for the staff of the commune, as key objectives of the assistance provided. The refurbishment cost amounted to approximately 24 000 000 CFA.

In his speech during the handover, Commander Hakizimana pledged that his troops would always be ready to contribute to the integral development of the commune.

The mayor of Damara, Francoise Mandazou, and the sub-prefect Frank-Francis Gazi expressed their gratitude for MINUSCA’s invaluable support.