The project to rehabilitate National Road No. 4 leading from Kisangani to Beni in the Democratic Republic of Congo is crucial for the development and connectivity of the region. Launched with great fanfare on February 18, 2024, the work is struggling to get started, leaving residents of the region waiting.
This road, 741 kilometers long, is currently in an advanced state of disrepair, making travel between Kisangani and Beni extremely difficult. Current road conditions are deplorable, with quagmires and major obstacles hampering traffic, particularly during the rainy season.
The importance of this trans-African route cannot be underestimated. It is a vital link between east and west Africa, passing through the port of Mombasa. Its rehabilitation would promise economic growth for the region, facilitating trade and the exchange of goods, and thus contributing to the overall development of the country.
Despite the logistical challenges encountered, notably the delay in the delivery of machinery and materials necessary for the work, an agreement between China and the Congolese government was concluded to take charge of the rehabilitation of the road. The Chinese company China Communication Construction Company was appointed to carry out the work over a period of four years, with funding shared between China and the Congolese government.
The rehabilitation of this national road would open new perspectives for the inhabitants of the region, by promoting the movement of people and goods, reducing transport costs and facilitating access to local and international markets. It would also strengthen ties between the different regions of the country and encourage economic growth at all levels.
It is therefore imperative that the competent authorities do everything possible to ensure the rapid start of the rehabilitation works on National Road No. 4, in order to realize the economic and social benefits that it promises for the region and the entire country. .
In conclusion, the rehabilitation of the Kisangani-Beni road in the DRC is an essential step for the development of the country and the region. Its positive impact on the economy, trade and regional connectivity makes it a critically important project that deserves immediate attention and rapid action.