10 October 2013, Kisangani, DRC
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): UNMAS today handed over a large, brand new ammunition depot, consisting of six separate buildings, to the Ministry of Defence in Province Orientale. Located on the outskirts of Kisangani, the capital of the province, the new compound, built to international safety standards, will serve to safeguard the munitions of the Army of the Democratic Republic of Congo based in the province.
The new depot ensures that ammunition will be stored properly, will not accidently detonate and will not spoil due to weather conditions. The facility was constructed at an adequate distance from any population centre in case of an accident.
The project began earlier this year and was paid for by UN MONUSCO funds. UNMAS – DRC oversaw the project, working closely with the Ministry of Defence and supervised the implementation by the Mine Advisory Group (MAG- DRC). Project coordination included planning with national and provincial authorities, supervising implementation by MAG and monitoring the progress and cost.
UNMAS is in discussion with the Government of DRC about other regions that could benefit from safe ammunition storage facilities. The Vice Prime Minister of DRC and Minister of Defence, Mr. Alexandre Luba Ntambo, presided over the ceremony and the official handover. The Government of DRC was also represented by the Minister of Gender Affairs, Ms. Genevieve Inagosi Kasongo.
The Japanese Ambassador to DRC, whose Government is a strong supporter of the work of UNMAS in the DRC, around Africa and around the world, attended the handover ceremony. Also present were the Defence Attachés from the German and French embassies and the head of the European Union.
The United Nations was represented by the Deputy Chief of the UN Peacekeeping Operation in DRC, MONUSCO, Mr. Moustapha Soumare, the MONUSCO Head of Office for Kisangani, Mr. Helder De Barros and the Programme Manager for UNMAS – DRC Mr. Pascal Simon.