Fatshimetrie: a memorable day for road traffic in Kinshasa
Monday, October 28 will remain etched in the memories of Kinshasa drivers, with the implementation of an alternating traffic system aimed at combating the endemic traffic jams in the Congolese capital. This day of “Fatshimetrie”, the name given to this ambitious initiative, has disrupted the habits of thousands of motorists, causing both frustration and hope for better traffic flow.
From the first light of day, the avenues Nguma, des Ecuries, du Tourisme, de Kasa-Vubu, and many others, have been the scene of unprecedented scenes of forced traffic and significant slowdowns. The efforts of the national police officers to impose this new regulation have provoked contrasting reactions among road users, between understanding for the need for change and impatience with the slowness caused by these measures.
For example, Mondjiba Avenue was the nerve center of the day, with closed accesses and imposed routes for vehicles, forcing some drivers to make multiple detours and significantly extend their travel time. While some areas nevertheless benefited from smoother traffic, such as Avenue du Tourisme towards the city center, others experienced persistent traffic jams and growing frustrations.
The “Fatshimetrie” experiment was therefore a real laboratory for urban mobility, highlighting both the complex issues of traffic in Kinshasa and the challenges to be met in order to improve the quality of life of residents. The measures taken by the National Commission for Road Safety and the Roads and Drainage Office demonstrated the need for close coordination between local authorities, law enforcement and citizens to ensure the safety and efficiency of travel.
Beyond the temporary inconveniences caused by this day of “Fatshimetrie”, it is clear that concerted efforts and innovative initiatives are essential to rethink urban mobility in Kinshasa. By placing compliance with traffic rules and the cooperation of everyone at the heart of priorities, it becomes possible to imagine a future where traffic jams would no longer be an inevitability, but a challenge to be taken up collectively for a more dynamic and serene city.
Thus, the “Fatshimetrie” will remain in the annals as the starting point for an in-depth reflection on road traffic management in Kinshasa, paving the way for innovative and sustainable solutions to transform daily travel into a smoother and more pleasant experience for all.