News: Expropriation of owners for the modernization of Bipemba international airport in Mbuji-Mayi
The Congolese government has undertaken major work to modernize the Bipemba international airport in Mbuji-Mayi, in the province of Kasaï-Oriental. However, to allow the expansion of the site and the construction of new infrastructure, more than seven hundred and fifty owners were expropriated from their plots.
Since Friday October 13, the expropriated owners began to receive their compensation from the State. Each owner receives a check to vacate the space they occupy within fifteen days. The objective of this operation is to allow the Chinese companies responsible for the work to continue the construction and modernization of the airport.
The interim governor of the province, Julie Kalenga, proceeded to the symbolic delivery of checks to two expropriated people. The other owners will receive their compensation through the banking circuit. The value of the compensation depends on the size of the plot and the investment made by the owner.
The expropriated plots are located along national road number 1, notably on avenue Inga between avenue Zaire (the entrance to the new terminal) and avenue Dodoma, as well as on avenue Fatshi, formerly called Lusambo (the airport exit).
Faced with this expropriation, the owners requested assistance from provincial authorities to help them find a new subdivision site where they could be moved. The governor confirmed that steps were underway to respond to their request.
The objective of the modernization of Bipemba airport is to create quality infrastructure capable of accommodating visitors, tourists and international travelers. This will not only boost tourism in the region, but also make it easier for local residents to travel to other international destinations.
Although expropriation is a necessary process for infrastructure development, it is important to ensure that owners are fairly compensated and adequately rehoused. The Congolese state seems to take these aspects into account by offering personalized compensation based on the value and size of the properties.
In conclusion, the modernization of Bipemba airport in Mbuji-Mayi is an important initiative for the development of the region. However, it is crucial to ensure that expropriations are carried out fairly and that owners are adequately compensated and rehoused. This will ensure the success of the project and the well-being of the populations concerned.