### The degradation of roads in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a call for responsible engineering
On June 17, 2025, son Tambwe Kalonji, road engineer in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), explained alarming concerns concerning the state of road infrastructure in the country. Faced with crucial challenges linked to the economic development and the security of citizens, its analysis raises essential questions on current practices in terms of road construction in the DRC.
#### A fragile technical seat
During his declaration, Fiston Tambwe clearly highlighted the importance of adequate stratification in the construction of the roads. According to him, a thickness of 20 to 30 cm for the base layer is essential in order to guarantee the sustainability of the roads, in particular in the face of traffic constraints. However, it seems that a considerable number of roads in the country are built without complying with these fundamental standards.
The absence of lower layers, such as the foundation and the base, as well as the placement of asphalt on low -compacted soils, compromise the resistance and the longevity of the infrastructure. This phenomenon is particularly worrying in a country where rainy seasons can cause rapid and severe damage. Indeed, while the expected lifespan of certain roads could extend over 10 to 15 years, degradations can occur from one to two rainy seasons, representing a significant loss both financially and that of the mobility of populations.
#### Inappropriate materials
The expert also noted the presence of unsuitable construction materials, such as poorly selected laterites and non -calibrated river sands. These choices, often dictated by logistical or budgetary constraints, raise the question of the quality and functionality of infrastructure. Insufficient compaction, not respecting 95% density standards, represents another major cause of failure. This brings us to question: what are the mechanisms in place to ensure the quality of materials in road construction projects?
#### Impact of traffic and drainage
The question of structural sub-dimming is also cited by Tambwe. The lack of adaptations to traffic categories, including heavy traffic, testifies to planning that does not take into account the growing economic and social realities of the DRC. In other words, it is crucial that engineers and decision-makers take into account the types and intensity of transport when they design infrastructure to avoid disasters that went beyond the simple harmfulness of the roads.
The drainage deficit is another question of capital importance. The absence of lateral ditches and draining layers only accelerates the degradation of the roads by allowing the infiltration of water, making the soil even more vulnerable to the effects of the climate. This situation raises questions: What solutions can be envisaged to improve drainage systems while reconciling budgetary limits and construction deadlines?
#### to enlightened engineering
The challenges highlighted by Fiston Tambwe, although worrying, are not insurmountable. Rather, they attest to an opportunity for reflection and action for the authorities, engineers and decision -makers. It is essential to encourage a construction policy which favors quality on quantity and which takes into account local realities.
This could include the continuing education of road engineering professionals on international standards, the implementation of quality control mechanisms, as well as an open dialogue between stakeholders, including local communities that depend on road infrastructure for their daily lives.
#### Conclusion
The analysis advanced by Fiston Tambwe is a call for collective responsibility in the face of a fundamental issue for the DRC. The sustainability of road infrastructure does not depend only on financial investment, but also on an ethical commitment to rigorous engineering practices adapted to the realities of the country. By taking these considerations into account, it would be possible not only to meet current needs, but also to build a future where roads are no longer sources of disappointment, but vectors of development and prosperity.