Goma City growing into a thriving hub

The famous Tshukudu wooden cart is a common mode of goods transport in Goma City. [Jayne Rose Gacheri, Standard]

It is a Unesco World Heritage site with several mountains like Mikeno, Nyiragongo (the most active volcanic mountain in Africa), Nyamuringa, and Rwenzori Ranges within its boundaries.

The unique park also shares its borders with the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Rwenzori Mountains National Park in Uganda, and Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. I could not wait to explore.

However, I was in for a rude shock though. James Nzawala, Goma Serena hotel manager explained that a visit to Virunga requires planning and involvement of armed security. Even though the park is now open, I learnt, that the park authorities have challenges in dealing with poaching, militias, and illegal settlers.

Goma, the consul explained, is not an ordinary destination. He has been here as acting consular going to one year but has learnt quite a lot. After all, his duties call for that.

However, he added, the security situation has normalised and now Goma is rising, and with DRC now a member of the East African Community, and with the presence of African security forces, the country is destined to be a competitive East African hub.

"It is important to note that Goma, and in particular, the Eastern part of DRC is not an ordinary tourism destination. The area is blessed with pristine wilderness, landscape, and wildlife; all this amidst a history of civil unrest, and conflict" the consular explains, adding that Kenya is planning to hold a Tourism Fair in Goma, coming closely after the Education Fair.

Noticing my disappointment about Virunga, Sophie Dans, working with the Consulate, suggests that I take a tour of the fast-growing City. This brightens me up. Twenty minutes later, Sophie has everything put in place. She introduces me to driver-guide Yves Lofemba. Moments later, we are cruising on 105 Avenue De La Corniche Street headed for the city tour.

As we drive, Yves points out landmarks of interest, giving me details of their significance. He does so with a pinch of humour, and I find out that he is quite knowledgeable, and has a timid passion for his country, and Goma in particular.

Among the landmarks is, CBD's biggest roundabout, Pilipili Club, a popular Congolese music joint; a governor's residence that is guarded heavily, a downtown business hub, major markets, and major installations.

Later, we take a relaxing drive to one of Goma's countryside, a 15-minute drive from CBD through a smooth highway that has beautiful rolling hills covered with lush pasture, interspersed with a small clump of towering trees. The hills are dotted with residences, which Yves explains are home to many armed forces personnel.