Extension of the city of Kinshasa: a promising project for the future of the DRC
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently unveiled an ambitious project to expand the city of Kinshasa. This initiative aims to create a vast urban center that will respond to demographic growth and the growing needs of the population. With start-up planned for the first half of 2024, this first phase of the project is expected to generate around 150,000 direct jobs, thus offering new economic prospects for the country.
To carry out this undertaking, the government set up a strategic committee to supervise the Kinshasa city extension project, responsible for coordinating and piloting the different stages of its completion. Under the leadership of engineer Thierry Katembwe Mbala as Principal Coordinator, this talented team is committed to making this project a success.
The Kinshasa extension project provides for an area of 30,000 hectares to the east of the city, between the Congo River and the N’Sele River. Part of this area, i.e. 10,000 hectares, will be reserved for the construction of an agropole, aimed at strengthening food security and promoting agricultural development in the region. The remaining 20,000 hectares will be dedicated to the construction of housing, buildings and cities, thus offering new residential possibilities to the population.
The project also includes the creation of an industrial zone of more than 1,500 hectares, aimed at boosting the internal economy of the new city and promoting job creation in the manufacturing sector. This comprehensive approach will help develop a resilient and productive city, capable of meeting the needs of its population.
The first phase of infrastructure construction is expected to extend over a period of 4 years, with an estimated cost of US$3.9 billion. The government also plans to encourage subcontracting with local companies, thus offering new opportunities to Congolese SMEs.
This project to extend the city of Kinshasa represents a real opportunity for the development of the DRC. By creating new jobs, improving infrastructure and promoting the local economy, it will help to strengthen the attractiveness of the city and improve the quality of life of its residents.
The government has already started discussions with several promoters and technical-financial partners, and the signing of the agreements is expected in the coming months. This international collaboration will provide the expertise and resources necessary to successfully complete this major project.
In conclusion, the expansion of the city of Kinshasa represents a major turning point for the DRC. This ambitious project is part of a long-term vision of sustainable development and offers new economic prospects for the country. By creating jobs, improving infrastructure and promoting economic development, it will help transform Kinshasa into a modern and dynamic metropolis, ready to face the challenges of the future.