** Urban modernization in Kinshasa: issues and perspectives in Limete **
**Introduction**
On May 31, 2025, a press release from the ACP reported an inspection visit made by the governor of Kinshasa, Daniel Bumba, on the construction and rehabilitation sites of two avenues and the “Salongo” leisure field in the commune of Limete. This event is part of a broader urban development project, the objective of which is not only to modernize infrastructure, but also to strengthen the resilience of the districts concerned. Through this initiative, several questions arise about socio-economic impacts, the membership of the inhabitants and the dynamics of local governance.
** The context of modernization work **
The modernization of the Salongo field and the rehabilitation of the avenues City Council and Liberty come from a partnership between the French Development Agency and the Provincial Executive. This initiative testifies to an increasing interest in improving urban infrastructure in African cities, where the modernization process can sometimes seem random. The “To Petola” resilience project, which is discussed here, underlines the imperative to respond to challenges such as rapid urbanization, frequent floods and the lack of adequate public services.
This approach aims to create public spaces that promote conviviality and community commitment. The delimitation and tracing of the leisure field by experts, in particular those of the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA), show a desire to integrate quality standards in development projects, while taking into account the recreational needs of the local population.
** The challenges for the inhabitants of Limete **
During his visit, Governor Bumba exchanged with the inhabitants, seeking to reassure them on the profits of the project. This type of interaction is crucial, because it makes it possible to measure the perception of local populations in the face of possible changes. Community participation is essential to guarantee membership of this type of initiatives. However, one can wonder: to what extent are the opinions and aspirations of residents really integrated into the decision-making process? In addition, these projects often require substantial investments, raising the question of their financial management and related transparency.
If the intention displayed is to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood, it is also legitimate to wonder about the possible negative consequences that a construction environment can lead, in particular in terms of noise pollution, traffic disturbances or even loss of jobs for certain local workers.
** Towards an integrated vision of urban development **
The modernization of infrastructure, although indulgeable, cannot replace a broader reflection on urban development. This opportunity could be used to tackle structural problems such as housing, access to education, health or basic infrastructure. Urban policy in Kinshasa would benefit from being envisaged in a multi-sectoral framework, providing particular attention to the links between the different aspects of development, in particular culture and sport, as underlined by the interest of the project for the Field Salongo.
It is also appropriate to promote continuous dialogue between urban authorities and citizens, based on trust and transparency. This could go through the organization of discussion forums, where the inhabitants could express their concerns and formulate proposals, thus transforming planning projects into truly participative projects.
**Conclusion**
While Kinshasa strives to deal with the challenges of urbanization and resilience, the modernization of infrastructure in Limete represents a significant step towards improving living conditions. Investment in roads and recreational spaces should not be an objective in itself, but a lever for the rise of a more inclusive and dynamic city. By cultivating the dialogue between the rulers and the citizens, it is possible to open a path to a fruitful cooperation and towards the construction of a more united and fulfilled community.