** traffic jams in LUFU: a situation to be clarified **
The National 1, the main communication artery connecting several localities in the Kongo-Central, is faced with a worrying problem at the entrance to the cross-border market in Lufu. This situation has its origin in a car park intended for heavy goods vehicles, managed by the Association of Chargers of Vehicles of the Congo (Achaco), which seems to exacerbate the traffic jams and compromise the fluidity of the traffic.
Civil society, represented by local actors such as Sylvain Mutanga, stresses that the presence of this car park has tangible consequences on traffic. Despite attempted intervention by the authorities, including an evacuation order issued by the governor of the province, the parking lot continues to operate on the road. This resistance to evacuation raises questions about the ability of institutions to enforce their decisions and manage the conflicts of use of public space.
### A parking, consequences
The impact of this situation is multidimensional. On the one hand, it directly affects traffic, because heavy goods vehicles and trailers are bothering a single route on two, making it difficult to pass vehicles towards the capital, Kinshasa. On the other hand, one can wonder about the economic consequences of these traffic jams. Indeed, the slowdown in traffic can also delay the supply of goods to the cross -border market, a nerve point for the local economy.
It is legitimate to wonder why a parking lot has been established in such a strategic and problematic location. What discussions took place between Achaco, civil society and local authorities before the establishment of this deposit? Have they been good enough to anticipate the repercussions on traffic? These essential questions deserve to be explored to better understand the extent of the situation.
### The issues of governance
The management of public space, in particular with regard to transport infrastructure, requires close coordination between various actors: from provincial authorities to economic operators via civil society. The resistance to the evacuation order of the parking lot could indicate the presence of economic interests which oppose the desire to improve road traffic.
It is necessary to examine what is the place of laws and regulations in this case. What mechanisms are in place to ensure that the decisions of the authorities are applied? Communication and transparency between the different actors are essential elements of effective governance. The absence of a clear regulation can create situations of conflict of interest which harm collective well-being.
### to a collective solution?
To remedy this situation, it might be useful to consider several avenues for reflection. First, the organization of round tables between the actors concerned could make it possible to envisage solutions that are both pragmatic and respectful of the various interests at stake. By involving all the parties – the governorate, Achaco, civil society and road users – a consensus could emerge.
In addition, regular infrastructure control and a re -evaluation of the parking areas could help reduce user conflicts on the National 1. Thus, the authorities could consider areas dedicated to the loading and unloading of goods, while ensuring fluid circulation for other road users.
### Conclusion
The situation in LUFU raises crucial issues that go beyond the simple traffic problem. It challenges the effectiveness of local governance, the involvement of economic actors and the necessary infrastructural adjustments. By initiating an open dialogue and by looking for lasting solutions, it is possible to restore a balance in the use of public spaces, beneficial to all. This challenge, in short, could also become an opportunity to improve for the management of transport and logistics issues in the region.