Road number 5, linking Kilwa and Pweto, in the province of Haut-Katanga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, continues to be talked about. Indeed, despite Governor Jacques Kyabula Katwe’s promises of rehabilitation, the road is in an advanced state of degradation and causes tragedies on a regular basis.
On Friday June 2, 2023, a fatal accident causing the loss of three lives took place near the village of Malambwe. A Hiace brand vehicle is involved, 72 km from Kilwa. Passengers also lost their belongings and many people were injured, including the Prefect of ITM Kilwa. Isidore, not otherwise identified, is currently battling death and was rushed to Lubumbashi to receive appropriate treatment.
This accident has again highlighted the glaring lack of basic infrastructure in this part of the province, particularly in the town of Pweto, while two large companies are operational 24 hours a day. AMC (Anvil Mining Congo) and Mushima have clearly made the choice not to invest in basic infrastructure for the community.
Consequently, the population is left in total despair, with no one coming to their rescue. Residents of Pweto have no passable roads, and the town suffers from a lack of basic infrastructure, making life difficult for citizens. This situation is only getting worse, despite the promises of politicians.
It is high time that companies operating in this region show responsibility and invest in basic infrastructure for local communities. In the meantime, people in the region continue to live in precarious conditions and remain desperate in the face of general indifference.