The article I am about to write concerns a hot topic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This news concerns the importance of social projects for the benefit of local communities in Muanda, in the oil sector.
Indeed, producing oil companies recently proposed an offer of $200,000 to the Congolese state as part of the implementation of social projects. This offer was approved by the Minister of Hydrocarbons, Didier Bidimbu, and is part of the initiatives of the Muanda Territorial Consultation and Development Committee (COCODEM).
This proposal is in reality a reduction of $10,000 compared to the amount obtained more than 25 years ago by the then Minister of Oil, Victor Mpoyo, in the first Laurent-Désiré Kabila government. The same oil companies, represented by Arthur Guerot, obtained a ninth amendment containing several advantages for the Congolese state.
First, the Group’s companies must grant the Congolese State a tax advance of forty million dollars on their tax obligations, reimbursed by the State through monthly compensation. In addition, a concession renewal bonus amounting to $20 million will be paid to the DRC. The oil producers will also contribute to the training of state service personnel and the management of the Ministry of Hydrocarbons’ database.
However, some criticize oil companies for funding the training of staff who will then be responsible for cross-checking production statistics and revenues. This situation raises questions about the transparency and independence of this counter-verification.
In addition, oil producers also plan to pay contributions for the exploration of the sedimentary basins of the DRC and state contributions to the African Petroleum Producers Association (APPA).
This offer from oil companies highlights the importance of social projects and the development of local communities in oil exploitation areas. The Congolese state must therefore ensure that these projects are implemented in a transparent and beneficial manner for local populations.
In conclusion, social projects for the benefit of local communities in Muanda, in the oil sector in the DRC, are attracting growing interest. It is essential that these projects are implemented in a transparent manner and that they genuinely contribute to the development and well-being of local populations. The offer from oil companies, although revised downwards, remains an opportunity to improve the living conditions of the communities concerned.