Title: The evolution of the Local Development Program in the DRC: a step towards local development
Introduction :
The Local Development Program (PLD) is one of the flagship initiatives of the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. This program aims to stimulate the development of decentralized territorial entities throughout the country. Recently, a delegation from the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) went to the field to assess the progress of the works in 145 territories of the DRC. In this article, we will return to this visit and the importance of the PLD in the local development of the country.
The observation on the ground:
The IGF delegation visited several territories of the province of Kasai-Oriental to see the progress of the work. Unfortunately, she faced some problems. In the territory of Tshilenge, for example, angry residents destroyed the baked brick structure of the administrative building, which was planned to be built of cement blocks. This disappointing finding demonstrates the challenges that the PLD can face.
The importance of monitoring the work:
Despite the difficulties encountered, the IGF remains optimistic about the completion of the work. To ensure the quality of the works, the IGF has building engineer inspectors equipped with instruments to check the conformity of the buildings. This follow-up step is essential to ensure that the quantities of materials used are compliant and to avoid any misappropriation of funds.
The objectives of the PLD:
The PLD aims to improve the living conditions of the populations in the decentralized territories of the DRC. By ensuring the construction of schools, health centers and administrative infrastructures, the program aims to provide an environment conducive to education, health and good governance. It is also intended to improve the working conditions of local officials, in line with President Tshisekedi’s vision.
Challenges to overcome:
Despite the progress of the LDP, many challenges remain. Fluctuations in the price of building materials may affect the progress of work and the management of allocated funds. Additionally, some areas may pose risks to the public purse, with the potential risk of misused materials. Rigorous monitoring of the work and the use of funds is therefore crucial to guarantee the smooth running of the programme.
Conclusion :
The Local Development Program in the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to bring about significant improvements in the decentralized territories of the country. Despite the challenges and problems encountered during the evaluation of the works, the commitment of the IGF and the government remains strong. The actions undertaken within the framework of the PLD will contribute to local development by offering better living conditions to the Congolese population