Recently, in the Engi village of Kolwezi City, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a sense of warmth is spreading. The "Demonstration New Rural Area" project jointly developed by Huagang Mining has achieved remarkable progress: 6.67 kilometers of asphalt road and 3 kilometers of internal roads have been fully completed, 20-plus buildings for public welfare, including a medical center and a police office, have been successfully built, 30 acres of experimental fields are lush and green, and 420,000 US dollars worth of medical equipment and 400,000 US dollars worth of agricultural machinery equipment have all arrived on time... A series of detailed data bear witness to the magnificent transformation of this small African village, highlighting the profound friendship of practical cooperation between China and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and injecting strong impetus into the local economic and social development.

This project is the first demonstration new rural area established by Huagang Mining Co., Ltd. in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It covers an area of 570,000 square meters and directly benefits 2,680 villagers. At the beginning of the project planning, the principle of "unified planning, self-circulation, and sustainable development" was established, with an emphasis on constructing a layout of "two centers, one ring road, and four areas". This not only beautifies the "appearance level" of the village but also consolidates the "underlying development" and achieves a dual effect of improving the living environment and promoting industrial upgrading, advancing simultaneously.

"We invest funds to build model new rural areas not only to improve the living conditions of the villagers, but also to cultivate local industries, improve public services, and promote the sustainable development of the local economy and society. This is both a specific measure to implement the 'One Hundred Enterprises, One Thousand Villages' initiative and a responsibility for deepening practical cooperation between China and the Congo." said Li Sheng, the chairman of Huagang Mining.

When the road is accessible, all industries will thrive. Nowadays, a 6.5-meter-wide and 6.67-kilometer-long asphalt concrete road, like a black ribbon, connects the village with the outside world, completely ending the predicament of "difficult travel during the rainy season" in Ingge Village. "Before the rainy season, we couldn't leave the village at all. Our children had to walk through muddy puddles for a long distance to go to school. Now that the road has been built, traveling has become so much more convenient!" Ingge Village Chief Mu Baaga pointed at the newly built asphalt road, unable to hide his excitement.

The newly-built medical center has completely ended the history of local villagers "bearing minor illnesses on their own and facing difficulties in treating serious illnesses". With 420,000 US dollars worth of professional medical equipment, it provides villagers with convenient and high-quality medical services. The newly-built primary school has bid farewell to the hardship of "having classes under the shade of trees and having to stop classes when it rains". With bright classrooms and complete facilities, it has become a paradise for children to pursue their dreams. "My child used to have classes under the shade of trees. When it rained, they could only stay at home. Now there is a new classroom with bright glass windows, and the children look forward to going to school every day." Villager Seiya held her child in her arms, with a smile of relief on her face.

The initial plan of the project involves an area of 407 acres for cultivation, where crops such as corn, cassava and sweet potatoes will be planted. This is aimed at helping to solve the food and clothing problems of the villagers. At the same time, the project will give priority to hiring local workers and conduct over ten training sessions in areas such as construction and agriculture, enabling the villagers to acquire skills and achieve "employment at their doorstep and stable income increase", truly realizing the transformation from "blood transfusion-style assistance" to "self-renewal-style empowerment".

It is reported that since the "One Hundred Enterprises, One Thousand Villages" initiative was launched in Africa, over 200 Chinese enterprises in the region have implemented more than 500 social welfare projects. The Hua Gang Mining Ingge Village project is a prime example of this.It is reported that since the "One Hundred Enterprises, One Thousand Villages" initiative was launched in Africa, over 200 Chinese-funded enterprises in the region have implemented more than 500 social welfare projects. The Hua Gang Mining Ingge Village project is a prime example of this. As a vivid illustration of practical cooperation between China and Ghana, this project has demonstrated its commitment to upholding its original intentions through action and warming the hearts of the local people. It has not only improved the living and working conditions of the local residents but also built a bridge for enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries, contributing to the deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Ghana and the establishment of a high-level China-Ghana community of shared destiny.

—Extracted from the current Congolese WeChat official account