The deplorable state of National Road number 1 (RN1) in the Kasai Central province continues to worry the local population. Following recent heavy rains, this main route linking Kananga to Mbuji-Mayi suffered significant damage. Unfortunately, the authorities seem to be neglecting the situation, leaving the population distraught.
The Maréchal market and the Muamba Mbuyi village are particularly affected by this deterioration of the RN1. This situation has a direct impact on the daily life of the population. The inhabitants of the region suffer from hunger, as the impassability of the road makes it difficult to obtain food products. In addition, neighboring villages encounter difficulties in evacuating their products and goods to the town of Kananga.
It is important to remember that in February 2021, the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, gave his agreement for the launch of rehabilitation work on the RN1, as part of a partnership with the Egyptian Samcrete Group. This project provided for the construction of a quality road over a distance of 188 km between Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi. The total cost of the project was estimated at 302 million USD.
However, obstacles stood in the way of this rehabilitation. Local decision-makers have expressed their willingness to entrust the market to the African Development Bank (AfDB), affirming that its execution cost would be lower than that presented by the Egyptian company. Sources revealed that this decision was motivated by the prospect of significant kickbacks linked to the project with the AfDB.
This situation led to a blockage of the necessary financing, thus delaying the rehabilitation work on the RN1. The General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) prohibited the payment of the deposit agreed with the Egyptian company via SOFIBANQUE. This decision calls into question the agreement concluded in the presence of the Congolese and Egyptian Heads of State.
This situation raises concerns about the country’s image and President Tshisekedi’s commitment to the development of the Kasai Central province. It is essential that measures are taken quickly to resolve this dispute and allow the resumption of rehabilitation work on the RN1. The local population deserves a quality road that will promote the economic development of the region and improve the quality of life of its residents.