Fatshimetrie, October 21, 2024 – The urgent need to rehabilitate the Diese-Lomami road axis in the Maniema province of the Democratic Republic of Congo has become paramount. The 72 kilometers of this road are in a disastrous state, endangering the safety of citizens and hampering the socio-economic development of the region.
Pascal Kalonda, president of the civil society forces vives du Maniema, launched an urgent appeal to the provincial and national authorities to intervene quickly. He stressed that the deplorable state of the road has not only led to a wave of traffic accidents, but has also favored the rise of insecurity. Armed bandits are exploiting the situation to attack and rob innocent citizens, thus compromising the tranquility and stability of the region.
The deterioration of the road axis has considerably increased the travel time between Diese and Lomami, from 30 minutes to more than three hours. Large quagmires and land subsidence make traffic difficult, endangering the lives of users and their property. In just ten days, seventeen serious accidents have been reported, resulting in two tragic deaths.
Faced with this alarming situation, it is imperative that the authorities take immediate measures to rehabilitate this important communication route. The safety of citizens and the development of the region depend on it. By ensuring adequate maintenance of the road infrastructure, the public authorities will contribute to promoting the mobility of people and goods, thus promoting economic growth and social cohesion.
It is time to act to guarantee the safety and well-being of the population of Maniema. The rehabilitation of the Diese-Lomami road axis is an absolute priority to ensure a prosperous and serene future for this once dynamic region. Citizens have the right to quality infrastructure that guarantees their safety and facilitates their daily lives. It is therefore crucial that the authorities respond favorably to this urgent call and implement the necessary works without delay. The lives and well-being of the people depend on it.