Title: National Road number 1 in Kasai Central: An alarming state of disrepair that requires urgent action
Introduction :
The Kasai Central province, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is currently facing a worrying situation: the disastrous state of National Road number 1 (RN1) which connects Kananga to Mbuji-Mayi. The recent torrential rains have caused significant damage, jeopardizing the mobility of residents and the evacuation of products to urban centers. This problem, widely perceived as a lack of concrete action on the part of the authorities, arouses concern and anger among the local population.
A promising improvement project:
In February 2021, President Félix Tshisekedi gave his agreement for the launch of rehabilitation work on the RN1, as part of a project worth more than $400 million initiated by the Industrial Promotion Fund (FPI ). The objective was to provide the population of Kasai Central with a high-quality road, promoting integrated development and the interconnectivity of the provinces. An Egyptian group, Samcrete Engineering, won the contract for the construction of a paved road over a distance of 188 km, with an estimated lifespan of 50 years.
Obstacles encountered:
However, despite initial progress, the project faced numerous obstacles. Some local financial decision-makers have expressed their desire to entrust the market to the African Development Bank (AfDB), arguing that the overall execution amount will be higher than that presented by the Egyptian company. Rumors of kickbacks also reportedly circulated, fueling tensions and the demonization campaign against the FPI.
Consequences on the population and the image of the country:
This financial blockage has a direct impact on the population of the Kasaï Central province. Residents face increasing difficulties, particularly in terms of food security and access to essential services. Furthermore, a delay in carrying out the project risks tarnishing the country’s image with its international partners, thus compromising the electoral campaign of President Tshisekedi who will run for a second term.
Conclusion :
The tragedy of the RN1 in Kasai Central is a cry of distress from the abandoned population. Urgent solutions and rapid action by the authorities are needed to resolve this road crisis and ensure the socio-economic development of the region. It is imperative to address obstacles and ensure transparency in the management of infrastructure projects. Only a road in good condition will allow the inhabitants of Kasai Central to prosper and enjoy the development opportunities that are their due.