The execution of the Kananga-Kalamba Mbuji road works in the Kasai-Central region raises serious concerns about the possibility of meeting the deadlines set for its completion. The statements of the Congolese Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works suggest an optimism that seems to be contradicted by the data provided by the Centre for Research in Public Finance and Local Development (CREFDL).
Indeed, the low level of funding allocated to the project raises legitimate questions about its feasibility within the announced deadlines. With only 40 million dollars out of the 278 million required, and an execution rate not exceeding 0.18%, the Kananga-Kalamba Mbuji road seems to be facing major financial constraints.
The almost total dependence of the project’s financing on funds from Sicomines is also a source of concern. The Sino-Congolese agreement imposes strict conditions, such as the fluctuation of the price of copper on the international market, which makes the disbursement of funds within the time limits uncertain. This uncertainty is reinforced by the fact that the project is not included in the Finance Act for the coming years.
To overcome these difficulties, the CREFDL recommends greater transparency in the execution of the project, with a clear inclusion of the financing of the Kananga-Kalamba Mbuji road in an adequate budgetary program. It is also essential that the works scrupulously follow the public spending circuit in force in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The recent visit of President Félix Tshisekedi to the road construction site demonstrates his commitment to seeing this project succeed. His statements to the people of Kananga reflect a strong political will to guarantee the completion of this infrastructure, considered crucial for the development of the Greater Kasai region and, more broadly, for the entire country.
In conclusion, the Kananga-Kalamba Mbuji road represents a major challenge for Congo. Its completion within the planned timeframe requires financial adjustments and rigorous management of the execution of the works. It is imperative that the competent authorities take adequate measures to guarantee the success of this infrastructure project, which is essential for the economic and social development of the region.