BICYCLES collected and repaired in Midvale are assisting hundreds of workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Uvira territory, according to a recent update from DRC hospital and medical centre director Luc Mulimbalimba.

The bicycles were shipped in January 2024 and are now supporting health workers, teachers, traditional midwives and residents carting big buckets of produce to markets.

More than 300 bicycles were sent in the shipment, as part of Bicycles for Humanity WA’s (B4H WA) 24th overseas container.

Dr Mulimbalimba’s organisation Mission in Health Care and Development (MHCD) said the bicycles have reduced travel times for community health workers, who previously walked more than 20km to deliver services.

“Community health workers and traditional midwives now use these bicycles to raise awareness about primary health care, immunisation, family planning and the distribution of bathing kits and days for girls kits,” they said.

“These bicycles also assist mothers in fetching waters from the river (where) previously, they had to carry water on their heads or backs, but now they can use bicycles.

“Many women used to carry heavy loads to sell food at markets, walking more than 30km while enduring significant pain.

“This burden often led to chronic low back pain, headaches, migraines, gynaecological issues and dizziness.

“Tragically, some pregnant women experience miscarriages due to the strain of carrying heavy loads.

“To address these challenges, we distributed bicycles to women who grow and sell bananas and other food products.”

MHCD said the program was helping combat poverty, malnutrition and food insecurity.

“This initiative has transformed the lives of many women in Uvira,” they said.

“We distributed 200 bicycles for free and sold 150 for supporting MHCD Projects as a micro-financing program.

“The money we got from selling the bicycles helped us to support MHCD projects and finalise the construction of the bicycle and mechanic workshop in Luvungi.

“We thank all those who contributed to the transport of this shipment.”

The Midvale-based B4H WA workshop is staffed by volunteers who refurbish donated bicycles from across the state.

B4H WA management committee chair David Tucker said Dr Mulimbalimba’s update was heartwarming news for their organisation.

“It was wonderful to receive his feedback video documenting the way in which the bikes donated have changed so may lives in the Uvira province,” he said.

Residents interested in volunteering may visit the B4H WA Bike Shed at Unit 1, 7 Elmsfield Road between 9am and 1pm from Tuesday to Friday.