KINSHASA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi on Wednesday inaugurated a Chinese-built water treatment plant in Kamina, capital of the southern province of Haut-Lomami.
Tshisekedi toured the plant's operational sections, inspected its water treatment equipment and also examined a water sample before officially switching on the pumping system, while expressing satisfaction with the project, according to the presidency.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, DRC Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity Aime Sakombi Molendo said the project would help improve living and public health conditions for local residents and would bolster the country's drinking water treatment capacity.
The DRC government would continue developing modern water supply facilities to expand access to safe drinking water across the country, the minister added.
Chinese Ambassador to the DRC Zhao Bin said the Kamina water plant was a project born through practical cooperation between China and the DRC.
China stands ready to work with the DRC to deepen practical cooperation in various fields and deliver more benefits to the two peoples, Zhao said.
The project was financed by Sino Congolaise des Mines, a joint venture between the DRC state mining company Gecamines and a group of Chinese companies.
With a designed daily supply capacity of more than 7,000 cubic meters, the plant is expected to provide drinking water that meets local health standards to residents of Kamina and surrounding areas. ■
