Fatshimetrie recently investigated the difficulties faced by the population of Kindu, in the province of Maniema, in terms of housing construction. Residents of the city complain about the exorbitant prices of construction materials, making it almost impossible to carry out real estate projects.
One of the main problems faced is the prohibitive cost of cement, which can reach up to USD 60 for a bag. Likewise, the high price of reinforcing steel further complicates the task of residents seeking to build or renovate their homes. This surge in prices is accentuated by the scarcity of construction materials, largely due to the province’s isolation. It is important to note that most goods, including construction materials, must be transported by air to Maniema.
Stéphane Kamundala, president of civil society in Maniema, highlighted the paradox of the situation. Despite its existing infrastructure, including a railway, an airport in Kindu and 24 aerodromes, the province remains one of the most isolated in the country. This situation makes access to construction materials difficult and expensive for the local population.
Faced with these challenges, Kindu residents are urging national and provincial authorities to invest in the rehabilitation of transport infrastructure, including railways and roads. Better service would not only reduce construction costs, but also promote economic development in the province of Maniema.
It is essential to emphasize that despite the efforts made to improve the urban roads of Kindu in 2014, there are still gaps in terms of accessibility and availability of construction materials. For residents to enjoy more comfortable and affordable living conditions, it is imperative to invest in the region’s transportation infrastructure.
In conclusion, the current situation in Kindu illustrates the challenges faced by many communities in Africa in terms of construction and accessibility to basic materials. It is essential that authorities take concrete steps to improve the supply of construction materials to ensure sustainable and inclusive urban development.