In the Grand Kasaï area, the Minister of State for Infrastructure, Alexis Gisaro, answered questions from the 22 honorable senators about road infrastructure, despite his state of health. The Kananga-Kalamba Mbuji road rehabilitation project is currently underway. The minister said the first phase would take 24 months, with the paving work planned for 36 months. However, the preliminary works to facilitate traffic will be completed in August 2023.
He also specified that the Central Coordination Office (BCECO) had been designated as the Delegated Contracting Authority for this road, which would simplify the procedures for the disbursement of funds.
The AfDB is financially involved in this rehabilitation project. It covers the asphalting of the Kabeya Kamuanga – Kananga section and the construction of two bridges, as well as studies for the asphalting of the Kananga (Matamba) – Kalamba Mbuji axis.
Alexis Gisaro also reassured those who were worried about the completion of the work in August 2023. According to him, the mobilization of three workshops instead of the one used so far, as well as the clayey nature of the soil to be treated and his propensity to facilitate the work, made it possible to speed up the process.
The involvement of the AfDB, as well as the designation of BCECO as Project Owner’s Delegate, show the DRC’s desire to provide better road infrastructure to improve the quality of life of citizens.