Fatshimetrie: Getting stuck in traffic jams on Boulevard Lumumba in Kinshasa
The scene is familiar to many residents of Kinshasa, particularly those in the Tshangu district to the east of the city. Endless traffic jams on Boulevard Lumumba are part of the daily lives of users of this major road. Traffic congestion is reaching unbearable heights, creating an atmosphere of chaos and frustration among drivers and passengers.
Recently, our reporting team found itself trapped in this sea of cars and motorcycles, stuck for nearly 45 minutes at the Matete bridge. Even the courageous motorcycle taxi drivers, nicknamed “wewas”, found themselves unable to make their way through this motionless stream of vehicles.
Testimonies collected from residents of the region highlight the devastating impact of these traffic jams on people’s daily lives. Precious hours are wasted every day, work and family obligations are compromised, and quality of life suffers greatly.
Several factors contribute to this persistent congestion. Some point to the lack of alternative road infrastructure in the Tshangu district, making Lumumba Boulevard an essential but also overloaded axis. Others criticize the practices of the police responsible for regulating traffic, pointing out harassment and non-compliance with basic rules.
Disobedience to traffic laws, illegal parking of transport vehicles, as well as desperate maneuvers by drivers to avoid traffic jams by taking lanes against the flow of traffic (a practice known locally as “Kolia mbwa”) are also elements aggravating.
Faced with this scourge, it is imperative for the authorities to consider long-term solutions. The construction of secondary roads around Lumumba Boulevard could divert some traffic, thereby relieving the main congestion. In addition, the reactivation of the urban train would constitute a sustainable alternative in terms of mass public transport, offering an efficient solution for moving large numbers of people while reducing pressure on the roads.
The recent memorandum of understanding signed between the Congolese government and the French group Alstom for the construction of new urban train lines in Kinshasa is a step in the right direction. The first phase of this project, with the establishment of a line linking the central station to N’djili airport via the Tshangu district, offers hope of relief for residents trapped in daily traffic jams.
It is time for decision-makers to take concrete measures to resolve this traffic problem which affects the daily lives of thousands of Kinshasa residents.. The efficiency of public transport, ease of access to infrastructure, and the safety of road users must be absolute priorities to ensure a smoother and more serene future on Kinshasa’s roads.