Title: National Road No. 1 in the DRC: A project under fire from critics
Introduction :
The construction of National Road No. 1 linking Mbuji-Mayi to Kananga in the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently causing heated controversy. While the project was being carried out by the company SAMCRETE, the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) reported suspicions of embezzlement. However, the Center for Research in Public Finance and Local Development (CREFDL) questions these allegations and invites the IGF to dissociate itself from political influences. In this article, we will analyze the different points of view and the issues surrounding this controversial project.
The IGF’s point of view:
The IGF claims that only $3 million was used out of the $24 million allocated to the National Road No. 1 construction project. This situation led the IGF to refuse a new payment of $29 million to the SAMCRETE company. According to its findings, there was embezzlement and overbilling of $348 million. The IGF thus highlights the need to continue the work with greater transparency.
CREFDL’s point of view:
The CREFDL contests the IGF’s conclusions, describing them as hasty and not supported by accounting evidence. According to this structure, the IGF would be influenced by members of the government who seek to destabilize the deal concluded between the DRC and SAMCRETE. The CREFDL recalls that the contract between the FPI and the company SAMCRETE provides for an initial payment of 30% of the total amount and that the company provided a bank guarantee to accelerate the work. The withdrawal of this project could have contractual and diplomatic consequences for the DRC, particularly in terms of relations with Egypt.
The challenges of the project:
The construction of National Road No. 1 is crucial for the economic development of the region, allowing better connectivity between Mbuji-Mayi and Kananga. However, suspicions of embezzlement and overbilling risk compromising the completion of the project. Additionally, it raises questions regarding transparency in the use of public funds and the integrity of public procurement in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Conclusion :
The construction of National Road No. 1 in the DRC is currently at the heart of controversy, with allegations of misappropriation of funds by the IGF. The CREFDL questions these accusations and calls for more transparency in the examination of the project. This situation raises important issues in terms of financial governance and compliance with contracts in the context of infrastructure projects in the DRC. It is essential to resolve these disputes in order to guarantee the success of this crucial project for the development of the country.