Article:
The upcoming elections of governors and vice-governors in Kwango province, scheduled for April 29, have captured the attention of residents. The Provincial Assembly is set to designate future leaders, and the stakes are high for this rapidly growing region in the southwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The desires of the inhabitants are crystal clear: they yearn for a governor who can drive the province towards development. Chief among the priorities is the improvement of road infrastructure, crucial for enhancing connectivity between territories and facilitating trade with the capital.
A local teacher emphasizes the dire need to open the Kenge-Kasongolunda and Tembo road sections. Rehabilitation of the roads connecting Kenge to Popokabaka and from Popokabaka to Kasangulunda is also essential. These improvements are vital for an agrarian province like Kwango, where the condition of roads hinders the transportation of goods.
Access to electricity is a pressing issue for Kenge, the provincial capital located over 200 km from the capital city. Specialized health services are sparse, leading to the transfer of complex medical cases to Kinshasa, incurring additional costs for households.
Yvette Kafuti, a local vendor, expresses concerns about the lack of electricity and water in some neighborhoods of Kenge. Furthermore, the absence of a modern, well-equipped hospital in the province necessitates transferring patients with severe conditions to other cities, such as Kinshasa, Bonga Yasa, or Mosango.
Despite the hopes of many residents for positive change through the upcoming elections, some harbor skepticism. They believe that the authorities in Kinshasa exert significant influence, directing the actions of provincial deputies and officials.
A public official, speaking anonymously, highlights the perceived lack of autonomy in decision-making at the provincial level. This centralized control, according to the official, hampers the progress and development of the province, preventing it from moving forward effectively.
The province of Kwango was officially established on April 15, 2015, following the division of the former Bandundu province. Situated in the southwest of the DRC, Kwango shares its southern border with Angola and borders three other provinces: Kinshasa, Kongo-central, and Kwilu.
In the lead-up to the elections, the population’s expectations center around key issues such as road infrastructure, electricity access, and healthcare services. These concerns reflect the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the developmental challenges facing Kwango province.