**Fatshimetrie**
*The Democratic Republic of Congo and the difficulties related to the installation of water drilling stations*
The deployment of water drilling stations in the Democratic Republic of Congo seems to encounter major obstacles, thus highlighting the complexity of projects involving public-private partnerships. The company Stever construct, mandated to install nearly 200 drilling stations, claims to encounter administrative delays and logistical difficulties attributed to the Congolese government.
During his testimony before the Court of Cassation, Mike Kasenga, the head of Stever construct, highlighted the lack of provision of the sites necessary to carry out the operations. He highlighted the fact that despite the availability of his equipment, he is unable to begin work due to the government’s delay in providing the required locations. The contractor highlights the mission orders signed by the Ministry of Rural Development in 2023, thus delaying the implementation of projects planned since 2021.
To support his statements, Mike Kasenga recalled the statements of former Minister of Finance Nicolas Kazadi, who confirmed that the contractor had all the necessary equipment, but that the sites remained a major problem. He also highlighted the steps taken, such as purchasing land at his own expense, to circumvent administrative obstacles and move forward with projects. These revelations highlight the challenges faced by private actors working in collaboration with public institutions in the DRC.
The crucial question remains: how to foster effective collaboration between the private sector and public authorities to ensure the smooth running of projects of national interest? It is imperative to improve coordination between stakeholders and put in place transparent and effective mechanisms to overcome the obstacles encountered.
The next hearing scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024 at the Court of Cassation will be an opportunity to clarify the issues surrounding this contract and to seek constructive solutions to ensure the successful implementation of water drilling stations in the DRC. It is essential that the lessons learned from this situation serve to strengthen governance practices and public-private partnerships in the country, for a sustainable and equitable development of its essential infrastructure.
In this perspective, it is essential to engage in an open and constructive dialogue between all parties concerned, in order to ensure the achievement of the objectives set and to meet the urgent needs for access to drinking water for all Congolese citizens.
The establishment of water drilling stations must not be hampered by bureaucratic obstacles, but must be supported by a common vision and concrete actions to ensure a better and more sustainable future for all.
**Clément MUAMBA**