The Democratic Republic of Congo, a country of the future in full development, has just reached a crucial stage in its urban planning and construction policy. Indeed, the adoption of the preliminary draft law on the urban planning and construction code marks a major turning point in the governance of the country’s cities, municipalities and agglomerations.
It was Crispin Mbadu, Minister of Urban Planning and Housing, who formalized the validation of this preliminary draft law, after two intense days of discussions and debates between stakeholders and experts in the sector. This decision demonstrates the Congolese government’s desire to modernize and regulate urban planning and construction activities, with a view to sustainable development and adaptation to current challenges.
The objective of this new legislation is clear: to put an end to an urban policy inherited from the colonial era, to replace it with a modern regulatory framework, adapted to the needs and realities of the country. The aim is to rethink the organization of urban spaces, to integrate environmental and climate issues, and to promote harmonious and sustainable development of Congolese cities.
During the two days of discussions, many themes were addressed, ranging from decentralization to the socio-economic and environmental impact of the law, including the financing of urban planning projects. The participants, whether experts, politicians, or international partners, unanimously welcomed this initiative and made essential recommendations for its future application.
Among these recommendations, the use of climate data in urban planning was highlighted. Indeed, integrating climate change issues into the urban planning and construction code is essential to guarantee the effectiveness of the measures put in place and ensure the resilience of cities in the face of environmental challenges.
In addition, sustainable resource management and the development of an integrated mobility policy were also highlighted as priority areas to be taken into account in the implementation of this new legislative framework. Finally, the importance of ensuring the law’s compliance with the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo was strongly emphasized, in order to ensure its legitimacy and sustainability.
In conclusion, this validation of the preliminary draft law on the urban planning and construction code marks a significant step forward for the DRC. It paves the way for a new era in the management of the country’s urban spaces, based on modernity, sustainability, and consideration of environmental issues. An essential step in building a better future for Congolese citizens and for the harmonious development of their territory.