**Fatshimetrie: An Innovative Project for the Opening Up of Rural Areas in the DRC by River Routes**
At the heart of the development challenges of the Democratic Republic of Congo lies an unprecedented ambition: the opening up of rural areas through an innovative project focused on the use of navigable riverways. This initiative, led by the Minister of Rural Development Muhindo Nzangi, arouses enthusiasm and hope for a radical change in the accessibility and connectivity of hitherto isolated territories.
During his speech at the University of Kinshasa, Minister Nzangi outlined the broad outlines of this ambitious plan which aims to open up no less than 65% of the territories of the DRC, or 94 out of the 145 in the country. A major objective which is based on a pragmatic and economically viable approach: the use of existing waterways and their under-exploited potential.
At the heart of this project, the strong idea lies in the conviction that these waterways are natural assets to be developed. Indeed, according to the minister, a relatively modest investment of 80 million US dollars would make it possible to carry out marking work on 11,300 km of agricultural service roads, connected to small territorial ports. An effective and inexpensive way to promote the transport of goods and people, to boost economic exchanges and to strengthen territorial cohesion.
Faced with the scale of this challenge, the minister is counting on the support of national institutions, starting with the Congolese government and the President of the National Assembly, who have an essential role to play in the realization of this visionary project. By rallying the various stakeholders around this common ambition, it is possible to sustainably transform landlocked territories into levers of development and social inclusion.
Ultimately, the project to open up rural areas by navigable river routes in the DRC embodies a unique opportunity to rethink the connectivity of the territory, to develop natural resources and to promote balanced and sustainable development for the entire population. Thus begins a new era where innovation, creativity and long-term vision combine to offer a better future to present and future generations.