KINSHASA, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), Joseph Kabila Kabange, promised in his New Year message to improve the social conditions of the Congolese people.

"I would wish to reaffirm another challenge that will get more of our attention in the coming year: the improvement of the social conditions of our people especially in the domains of education and health, water and electricity, housing, employment as well as raising of people's purchasing power," Kabila declared on state radio and television.

He also vowed "the courageous measures of reforming our judicial system which were taken in the beginning of 2009 to improve morals in our society," while pledging to "institute good governance and bring an end to impunity."

Kabila said 2009 was for his country a year "which marked the end of a lot of uncertainties. Uncertainties related to the prospects of sustainable peace in the east of the country especially after several military operations against foreign armed groups, the signing of the Goma peace agreement and the normalization of our relations with the neighboring countries."

"And for the first time in 15 years, the Congolese people are peacefully beginning a year without the noise of the boots or the crackling of the bullets across the national territory," he noted.

The Congolese president said the war-torn central African country in the new year will focus on "the prospects of getting to the point of achieving the PPTE initiative (highly indebted countries) and the reduction of the heavy burden of the external debt to our country, as well as the national reconstruction program titled the "five main constructions of the Republic."

Kabila declared 2010 a year of good luck as the country will mark its 50th anniversary of independence.

"This is an anniversary that we are proud to celebrate because despite the plots to destabilize and balkanize the country, the Democratic Republic of Congo has remained united within her borders since 1960."

"The Congolese nation is a reality and this is indisputable and unchangeable," the Congolese head of state said, adding that 2010 "will be the special year for accelerating the work to modernize the Congolese nation and institutionalize structural and institutional reforms in all areas."

The president was optimistic about "the prospects for the resumption of the world economy, the improvement of the business climate in the country," expressing belief that "there will be an economic growth" from now on.

"Have the determination that is required and let us encourage one another. I call upon all of you one more time to get involved in the national reconstruction work, to exercise responsibility while carrying out national duty, to respect the law and show individual and collective discipline," Kabila told his nationals.

"On my part," he said," I want to work for total return of peace and its consolidation across the entire country so that all the Congolese people can have a chance to blossom and concretize their noble dreams."

Kabila said he was convinced that "we shall make 2010 a jubilant year for our national independence ...so that we can lay the basic foundations for sustainable development of our country."