The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Donates a New Bridge in Kinshasa, DR Congo

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated more than $106,000 USD to replace and upgrade a bridge over the Kalamu River in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, that was destroyed by torrential rains in December 2022. The Honorable Henriette Wamu, Member of Parliament from Kinshasa’s Funa district, and her foundation also contributed substantial funds to this project.

More than 150 people died, and 500 homes and countless personal possessions were lost during the December 2022 flooding. Houses built on the banks of the Kalamu River were most heavily damaged and several bridges were washed away.

This new bridge will benefit more than 15,000 residents of the Kalamu area of Kinshasa, both members and nonmembers of the Church. It is solidly built with isolated footings, elevated concrete piles, reinforced metal structure, and deck and ramp of reinforced concrete. It can carry heavy vehicles and foot traffic.

Henriette Wamu presided over the ribbon cutting ceremony on August 11, 2023. She was joined by local government officials, local leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leaders of other faiths, representatives of the contractor, and members of the community.

Ms. Wamu said, “I praise our partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” and she expressed profound appreciation for the donation. Junior Diazola, Bishop of the Bumbu Ward, said the Church serves the spiritual and physical needs of people without regard to their religious affiliation.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partners with many humanitarian organizations and foundations around the world to put into practice the Savior’s teachings to care for the needy.