Title: Bandundu Airport in ruins: a call for help for its renovation
Introduction :
Located in the Kwilu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bandundu Airport, once a symbol of connectivity and progress, is now reduced to a state of deplorable ruins. The airstrip, once used by planes, is now invaded by pedestrians, motorcyclists and even goats grazing peacefully. This situation endangers the safety of passengers and sounds the alarm within the new civil society of Bandundu, which is calling for help to save this airport.
A cry of alarm:
The city of Bandundu, as the capital of the province, deserves modern airport infrastructure. Unfortunately, the reality is worrying: the landing strip has become a real danger for planes landing there. Airplane tires risk puncturing, endangering the lives of passengers. Ferdinand Tarita, the coordinator of the new civil society of Bandundu, appeals to the president of the board of directors of the Régie des Voies Aériens (RVA), Tryphon Kin Kiey Mulumba, to take the necessary measures to modernize the airport and attract more airlines.
The PCA visit and its findings:
During a recent inspection visit to Bandundu, Tryphon Kin Kiey Mulumba was able to see with his own eyes the deplorable state of the airstrip. He stressed that this situation represents a real danger for the safety of passengers. Planes landing on this chaotic runway experience significant shaking, creating anxiety among travelers. To combat the insecurity caused by the presence of pedestrians and various vehicles on the runway, the PCA is proposing the construction of a wall to protect the RVA right-of-way, like other airports in the country.
The question of the spoliation of the RVA site:
In addition to the condition of the track, the PCA’s visit also aimed to inspect the RVA infrastructure in Bandundu. The RVA commander raised the question of the dispossession of part of the site by the provincial government, in particular the space which formerly housed MONUSCO. This occupation was justified by the absence of a property title and the non-payment of the salaries of certain agents for the year marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. The PCA promised to create a commission to examine the agents’ concerns and to escalate this issue to national authorities in search of a solution.
Conclusion :
Tryphon Kin Kiey Mulumba’s visit to Bandundu airport marks a glimmer of hope for its long-awaited renovation. The worrying situation of the landing strip and the despoliation of the RVA site call for urgent action to guarantee the safety of passengers and restore the dignity of this airport. The construction of a protective wall and approaches to national authorities are important first steps towards this process. Hopefully, these measures will result in a significant improvement of Bandundu Airport and its connectivity with the rest of the world.