The rehabilitation of the International Fair of Kinshasa (Fikin) is a major project which was to transform this tourist site into a real center of attraction. However, this venture has faced significant obstacles since its launch.
A Turkish company, Milvet, in charge of carrying out the work, seems to impose conditions that go beyond the framework of the initial project. Indeed, it requires a space of 6 hectares to set up its camp there and plans to buy this space if the work takes longer than expected. In addition, the time fixed for the completion of the works appears to be very elastic and the officials of Fikin affirm that Milvet would be ready to pay 60,000 US dollars per month to rent the 6 hectares.
The work had however begun and the site emptied of its occupants. But they were stopped due to differences between Milvet and the Congolese side. However, the project provided for the construction of a multifunctional arena of 20,000 seats, an exhibition center, an amusement park, a shopping center, as well as a hotel.
Despite these difficulties, the rehabilitation works of the Fikin are a real challenge for the attractiveness of the city of Kinshasa. It will be a new meeting place for locals and tourists. We hope that the stakeholders will quickly find common ground to continue this project which can create job opportunities for young people and contribute to the economic development of the country.