Collapse of the Bundwe bridge: a threat to the supply of products in the South of the DRC
For eight days, the Bundwe bridge, linking the provinces of Lualaba and Haut-Katanga to that of Haut-Lomami and the Grand Kasaï area, has been completely blocked. Indeed, following the collapse of the bridge under the weight of an overloaded truck, dozens of trucks carrying goods are blocked on each side of the Congo River. This situation risks seriously disrupting the supply of certain products from the south of the DRC, thus leading to a possible shortage and a rise in prices.
Built since colonial times, the Bundwe Bridge no longer supports large tonnages and requires urgent rehabilitation to ensure safe crossing. With a length of 173 meters, this bridge is a strategic axis for trade between the regions of Grand Katanga and Grand Kasaï. Its failure therefore directly impacts the local and national economy.
To revive the economy and avoid supply problems, it is imperative to rebuild the Bundwe Bridge as soon as possible. The provincial infrastructure authorities of Haut-Lomami are aware of the issue and are calling for action. A new bridge, adapted to current needs and capable of supporting high tonnages, must be put in place quickly.
This situation also highlights the need to modernize the country’s infrastructure to support economic development. It is crucial to invest in the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and other transport infrastructure to facilitate trade and ensure the regular supply of the regions. This problem, currently encountered with the Bundwe bridge, is recurrent in the DRC and requires long-term reflection to guarantee the economic stability of the country.
In conclusion, the collapse of the Bundwe bridge poses a serious threat to the supply of products to southern DRC. Its rapid rehabilitation is necessary to avoid a possible shortage and a rise in prices. This also raises the issue of modernizing the country’s infrastructure as part of economic development. Long-term investments must be made to ensure economic stability and facilitate trade across the country