At the heart of Kinshasa’s urban dynamism, the construction of 63 kilometers of peripheral roads arouses both hope and concern within local communities. Indeed, the road development project announced by the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works, Alexis Gisaro, represents a major step forward for the connectivity of the Congolese capital. However, this ambitious initiative will inevitably lead to land expropriations, raising crucial questions about land rights and social justice.
The national laws governing expropriation procedures, based on the legislative texts of 1973 and 1977, provide a legal framework to guarantee fair and equitable compensation to affected owners. However, the implementation of these provisions raises complex issues related to the protection of citizens’ rights and the preservation of customary lands. Dialogue between government authorities and local communities therefore appears to be a crucial element to ensure a harmonious transition in this expropriation process.
Minister Gisaro underlines the importance of communication and transparency in this approach, inviting residents of impacted neighborhoods to comply with the laws in force. Furthermore, by calling for restraint in construction along future roads, it highlights the need for responsible management of urban land. This proactive approach aims to avoid disputes and facilitate the compensation process for the owners concerned.
In this context, the voice of traditional and customary authorities is of paramount importance. The president of the customary authority of the DRC underlines the need for their inclusion in the expropriation process, in order to guarantee the legitimacy and acceptance of the measures taken. By recognizing the leading role of traditional chiefs in the management of customary lands, he calls for close collaboration between the government and local authorities to ensure the success of this development project.
Beyond the legal issues, the impact of these new roads on the urban development of Kinshasa is undeniable. By facilitating the mobility of citizens and strengthening accessibility to the different districts of the city, these infrastructures will contribute to the modernization and economic growth of the Congolese capital. However, it is imperative that this urban progress is accompanied by in-depth reflection on land and social issues, in order to guarantee inclusive and equitable growth for all residents of Kinshasa.
In conclusion, the construction of these peripheral roads represents a crucial step in the development of Kinshasa, but also raises complex challenges in terms of land expropriation.. By reconciling the imperatives of urbanization with respect for the rights of local populations, the Congolese authorities can work to build a more modern and more inclusive city.