The very advanced state of disrepair of National Road number 1 (RN1) in the Kasai Central province continues to worry the population. After the recent torrential rains, this main route linking Kananga to Mbuji-Mayi suffered significant damage, making it impassable. The population thus finds itself confronted with numerous problems, notably food shortages and the impossibility of evacuating their products to the town of Kananga.
It is alarming to note that despite the promises made by the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, for the rehabilitation of the RN1, local authorities seem to be neglecting the urgent needs of the population. In February 2021, during the signing of projects aimed at ensuring the integrated development and interconnectivity of the provinces, the Head of State gave the green light for the start of work on the RN1 between Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi. A USD 302 million contract was concluded with the Egyptian group Samcrete for the construction of a 188 km paved road.
However, dark motivations now appear to be hindering the realization of this project. Local financial decision-makers have expressed their desire to entrust the market to the African Development Bank (AfDB) instead of the Egyptian company. Sources reveal that this decision could be motivated by kickbacks, thus providing personal advantages to these decision-makers. This situation led to the payment of the deposit of 27 million USD to the Egyptian company by the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF).
It is feared that this blockage of work will compromise the country’s image vis-à-vis its partners and jeopardize the electoral campaign of President Tshisekedi, who will run for a second term. It is regrettable to note that personal interests prevail over the general interest of the population, which suffers from the disastrous state of the RN1.
It is crucial that urgent solutions are found to resolve this road crisis in Kasai Central. The rehabilitation of the RN1 is essential to ensure connectivity between the different regions of the province, facilitate the evacuation of agricultural products and stimulate the economic development of the region. It is imperative that the authorities take concrete measures to put an end to the inaction and vested interests that hinder the realization of this project.
The population of Kasai Central deserves a high-quality road, which will make their daily lives easier and promote their socio-economic development. The authorities must act quickly and transparently to restore public confidence and guarantee their well-being. It is time to put an end to this neglect and take the necessary measures to resolve the road crisis in Kasai Central. The population counts on its leaders to act in their favor and respond to their urgent needs.