The collaboration between the Fédération des entreprises du Congo (FEC) and the Fonds National d’Entretien Routier (FONER) in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a key element in the country’s infrastructure and economic development. During a recent morning of discussions, these two entities agreed to jointly explore the opportunities and challenges related to road maintenance in the country.
The main objective of this meeting was to inform economic stakeholders about FONER’s regulatory mechanisms, with a particular focus on parafiscal revenues such as the axle load fee for heavy vehicles. This initiative aims to promote a better understanding of the financing mechanisms intended to ensure the sustainability and quality of road infrastructure in the DRC.
The discussion of companies’ operational concerns regarding the collection of these fees attests to the willingness of private and public stakeholders to collaborate transparently and effectively to ensure the successful implementation of these mechanisms. By fostering open and constructive dialogue, FEC and FONER pave the way for sustainable and fruitful partnerships.
The business opportunities offered by road maintenance are numerous and varied. By encouraging companies to seize these opportunities, Didier Mukoma, President of the National Commission for Transport and Logistics of FEC, underlines the importance of the private sector’s contribution to the economic development of the DRC. These collaborations can take the form of maintenance contracts, public-private partnerships and infrastructure improvement projects, thus offering concrete opportunities for local companies.
The sharing of responsibilities and resources between FONER and private actors is of major importance in the effective implementation of road works in the DRC. The distribution of funds collected, with priority orientation towards maintenance and improvement activities of the national road network, guarantees optimal use of available resources for the benefit of the entire Congolese population.
Furthermore, the announcement of the establishment of a national structure responsible for controlling axle loads demonstrates the authorities’ desire to strengthen the legal and operational framework related to the circulation of vehicles on Congolese territory. This measure aims to guarantee the sustainability of road infrastructure by limiting the harmful effects of overloading vehicles.
In short, the collaboration between the FEC and FONER is of capital importance in promoting sustainable development in the DRC. By encouraging the active involvement of the private sector in road maintenance projects, these two entities are paving the way for more efficient and transparent management of resources allocated to improving the country’s road infrastructure. This dynamic of collaboration promises to contribute significantly to the economic and social development of the Democratic Republic of Congo.