WFP announces resumption of rail traffic in Kalemie

Following the completion of a World Food Programme food-for-work project to clear the railway line from Kalemie to the Niemba bridge in north Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rail traffic has resumed after three years of interruption, WFP announced on Friday.

"This will greatly enhance the resettlement of displaced populations and the resumption of commercial activities," WFP stated.

WFP has also prepared a special operation to help the Societe Nationale des Chemins de fer du Congo, the national train company, in the rehabilitation of the Niemba bridge. The estimated cost for the work is US $800,000, WFP stated. "However, the capacity of the bridge (at least 16,000 mt) would enable WFP to significantly reduce its transportation costs," WFP reported.

Meanwhile in Kisenge, southern Katanga province, where WFP assists some 10,000 Angolan refugees, there have been reports of renewed influxes of Angolan refugees from Zambia, mostly widows or women head of families. According to WFP, reports indicate that these refugees are heading towards Kisenge to receive aid since it is closer than Zambia. In November, WFP distributed 136 mt of food to over 8,700 refugees. For December, WFP plans to distribute 150 mt of food to a targeted caseload of 9,800 refugees. The rations have been calculated according to the recommendations made by a joint WFP-UNHCR (the UN refugee agency) food assessment mission in April-May 2001.

In Malemba-Nkulu, southern Katanga province, WFP in collaboration with NGO Caritas is assisting internally displaced people in Kabala, Kabumbulu and Manono. In the suburbs of Lubumbashi and Kolwezi, WFP has been distributing seeds to displaced families.

In Bandundu province, WFP and HCR are assisting 14,000 refugees. As at 29 November, 6,200 refugees received 100 mt of food in Napasa and Tshifameso. However, fuel shortages and logistical constraints have delayed the delivery of food to the remaining caseload in Kulindji.