The DRC, a country plagued by poverty and a lack of basic infrastructure, experienced a tragedy on road number 5 this Friday, June 2, 2023. A Hiace brand vehicle had a fatal accident near the village Malambwe , 72 km from Kilwa, the city of Pweto territory. The Congolese authorities announced that there were three dead and several injured. The prefect of ITM Kilwa, Isidore, was seriously injured and was evacuated to Lubumbashi for proper treatment.
This tragic event in a region lacking in infrastructure highlights the importance of basic infrastructure for road safety. Pweto is indeed one of the poorest territories in the province of Haut-Katanga, despite the presence on its soil of two large companies, AMC (Anvil Mining Congo) and Mushima, which operate 24 hours a day. These two companies have made no effort to provide the city with basic infrastructure, which plunges the population into total despair.
In the absence of road structures and other infrastructure, the local population faces many dangers. It is therefore crucial that companies and authorities take action to meet the most basic needs of citizens.
It is necessary to emphasize the seriousness of the situation in which this part of the country finds itself and the importance of mobilization and citizen support to demand urgent improvements. Capacity building in road safety could save lives and improve the quality of life of populations.
Authorities and companies must take their responsibilities and put in place policies and projects aimed at providing populations in remote areas with quality infrastructure. It is imperative to avoid such road disasters and improve the quality of life of the local population.