The Kinshasa-Matadi railway in the Democratic Republic of Congo is being rehabilitated. This decision has just been taken by the Minister of Transport, following his inspection visit of the 3 kilometer points where the railway is almost impassable. This initiative follows the recommendation of the Head of State during the 82nd meeting of the Council of Ministers to present a modernization plan for the Kinshasa-Matadi railway.
This railway, 366 km long, is the only railway operated by ONATRA and has not been in service for more than 2 years due to the torrential rains of December 2022 and the aging condition of the railway carriage. Minister Marc Ekila noted that the situation is alarming and that it is urgent to start work before the rains resume. He called on ONATRA to manage resources responsibly to facilitate the rehabilitation of this railway as soon as possible.
However, at kilometer point 33, the situation is more serious. At least 40 meters of track are damaged, and a temporary support still allows the track to hold. But it is important to also review the surrounding facilities to secure the track which remains under the threat of several heads of erosion. This is why the deputy director general of ONATRA pleads for the urgent start of the works because the national road n°1 is really overloaded. The Kinshasa-Matadi railway would have to unload the road and evacuate the heaviest loads.
The rehabilitation of the Kinshasa-Matadi railway is a crucial announcement to boost the economy of the DRC. It is one of the most essential infrastructures for the development of the DRC, because it allows the transport of goods and people from Kinshasa, the capital, to the port of Matadi, thus giving access to the sea and the open sea to hinterland countries, such as Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Above all, it is likely to create jobs and strengthen the region’s economic growth.
This rehabilitation is therefore excellent news for the DRC. It is an additional sign that the authorities are determined to move the country forward and improve the lives of the population. It also confirms the government’s determination in the implementation of projects aimed at modernizing existing infrastructure.