“Fatshimetrie: An in-depth look at the development of road infrastructure in the DRC”
For several decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been working to modernize its road infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods and people across the country. Among the various infrastructure projects underway, the construction of the Kalamba Mbuji road is receiving particular attention, but raising questions about its financing and its completion within the allotted time.
The recent press release from the Center for Research in Public Finance and Local Development (CREFDL) highlighted concerns about the financing of the Kalamba Mbuji road, highlighting a significant gap between the funds planned and those actually allocated for the current year. Despite these concerns, the Director General of the Congolese Agency for Major Works (ACGT), Nico Nzau Nzau, is reassuring by stating that the construction of this road will benefit from a significant acceleration in 2025.
The issue of financing remains at the heart of the debates, particularly with the announcement of several road infrastructure projects requiring considerable amounts. While the balance planned for 2024 combined with the funds allocated for 2025 seems to allow work to continue, doubts persist as to the credibility of official statements regarding the deadlines for completion and the completion of projects on time.
Stakeholders in the public works sector, such as the Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works (ITP), affirm that all measures are being taken to meet the deadlines set by the government, thus ensuring the completion of road infrastructure projects on time. However, the challenges related to financing and the coordination of the various actors remain major obstacles to overcome.
In a context where the development of road infrastructure is of crucial importance for the economic and social development of the country, transparency and efficient management of financial resources remain fundamental issues to be taken into account. It is essential to guarantee an adequate allocation of funds and rigorous supervision of projects to ensure their proper execution and their positive contribution to improving the living conditions of the Congolese population.
In short, the construction of the Kalamba Mbuji road and other road infrastructure in the DRC represent complex but essential challenges for the development of the country. It therefore appears essential to ensure careful planning, transparent management of resources and effective coordination of the various actors involved to guarantee the success of these projects and their positive impact on the whole of Congolese society.