Since 1996, the starting date of the conflict in Eastern Congo, the national road network has progressively deteriorated, following the disastrous state of basic infrastructures throughout the country. The immensity of the Congolese territory explains the considerable logistical challenges and the limited road infrastructures. This situation is even more preoccupying in South Kivu, a region made of hills and valleys, where many localities are completely isolated, like Shabunda.

The humanitarian situation in the Shabunda territory is critical in all sectors. School and sanitary infrastructures are almost inexistent. Only 3% of the population have access to drinking water, leading to a high number of water-borne diseases.

Malnutrition among local populations remains predominant; it is a direct consequence of the lack of development and diversity of agriculture, as manioc, rice and peanut are the only commodities cultivated. In addition, whilst agriculture is the main income generating activity for the populations in the territory, youth have increasingly abandoned the fields to go work in the neighboring mines. However, following the new law banning the exploitation of these mines in the region, many young persons are without work and at loose ends.

Further complicating the situation, attacks from the FDLR (Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du Rwanda) that took place last July and August in the localities surrounding Shabunda have led to new population displacements, fleeing the combats. Some 27,800 IDPs are in an extremely vulnerable situation whilst waiting to go back home. This inflow of persons in Shabunda puts further pressure on the existing resources, notably hydric resources, and increases the population’s needs in drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene.

The 20th report on the Human Development Index (HDI) by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ranks the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 168th on a list of 169 countries, with a life expectancy of 48 years.

ACTED has been present in Shabunda since June 2010 in order to respond to the needs of local populations. ACTED staff is working with the support of the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department in the localities of Shabunda and Matili of South Kivu, in the framework of a project aiming at improving sanitation infrastructures and at reinforcing food security for the most vulnerable persons. To date, shower and latrine blocks have been built in two health centers and other sanitary facilities are currently set-up in 4 schools. Moreover, 450 familial bathrooms will be built. Awareness raising activities on best hygiene practices have been organized to sensitize as many persons as possible: radio shows on water-borne diseases, stand-up comedy on HIV / AIDS broadcasted on the radio, chlorination of sites, and illustrated trainings on HIV and water-borne diseases in health areas.