The Inspector General-Head of Department of the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF), Jules Alingete, recently issued an instruction asking Sofibanque to suspend payment in favor of Samcrete Engineering, a private company. This request, amounting to 27 million US dollars, was ordered by the Industry Promotion Fund (FPI) and validated by IGF inspectors.
This decision by the IGF follows the establishment of the “financial patrol”, an operation aimed at prior examination of all outflows of funds from the State to third parties. Although the exact reasons for the suspension of payment have not been revealed, sources indicate that it is linked to the execution of construction works on the Mbuji-Mayi – Kananga road, which is currently at a standstill.
It is important to remember that this road construction work was financed by the FPI as part of a collaboration with the company Samcrete Engineering. President Félix Tshisekedi had given his agreement for the start of the work, which was to connect the towns of Kananga and Mbuji-Mayi over a distance of 188 kilometers. The total cost of the project was estimated at $302 million, with an initial deposit of $27 million agreed to begin work.
Thus, the IGF’s decision to block payment to Samcrete Engineering raises questions about the progress of the road construction project. Significant funds have already been committed, and stopping work could have a negative impact on local populations who have been eagerly awaiting improvements to this essential road infrastructure.
It is now crucial to await further information on the reasons for this payment suspension and to see how this situation evolves. Let us hope that solutions will be found quickly to allow work to resume and guarantee the completion of this vital road for the economic and social development of the region.
In conclusion, the IGF’s instruction to suspend payment in favor of Samcrete Engineering raises concerns about the continuity of the Mbuji-Mayi – Kananga road construction project. It is essential that the parties concerned find solutions to ensure the finalization of this essential infrastructure for the development of the region, taking into account the financial issues and the impact on local populations.