A Bridge to Prosperity

In Kilongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, pastor and farmer Patrice Maloba uses a strong, modern bridge to safely cross the river to get to his maize field, while others use it to reach markets, school, and jobs. But it wasn’t always that way.

Before the bridge was built, people had to use a dangerous makeshift footbridge that was frequently overwhelmed during the rainy season. Goods and even people were often swept away by the rushing waters.

The dominant economic force in the area is a massive cobalt mine. While the valuable minerals within enriched the mine’s owners, the surrounding community received little or nothing.

That began to change when The Carter Center helped advocate for legislation requiring mining companies to use some of their revenue to benefit their host communities. The Center also advised the people on how to negotiate with mining companies to get the resources they’re entitled to and to ensure that the money funds projects that meet their communities’ biggest needs.

Kilongo used some of its revenue to build a new bridge that is less vulnerable to flooding. People can now safely and easily cross the river.

“This bridge is really, really helpful for us,” Maloba said.

Play video: Bridge to Prosperity | The Carter Center