A real estate agent in Goma said of the ongoing effects of the U.S. aid cuts: “We’re going through a real ordeal. Before, business was booming; many people invested in real estate because it was doing so well. Today, the houses are empty, and we have almost nothing left to do to feed our families.”
Date: 6/25
Region: Africa
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Topic: Economy & Livelihoods
Policy Lens: Economic & Trade Interests
Entry Type: Secondary Effect
Additional Context: This information was collected as part of The Aid Report’s original reporting, “In eastern DRC, Goma's aid economy unravels.” This feature story examines how the effects of aid cuts extend far beyond NGOs. As programs close and international staff leave, families are losing income, apartments are sitting empty, and businesses are closing.
This quote is attributed to Balume Victor, a real estate agent in Goma. The effects of the U.S. aid cuts on the economy in the city are visible in the city’s real estate market. According to Victor, once-bustling neighborhoods are emptying out. Houses that used to rent for up to $1,500 per month now sit vacant, even when offered for $500. Previously connecting NGO workers and expatriates to the housing market on a regular basis, Victor mentions that he can go months without receiving a call.
Source: Devex