** Kinshasa: Between vision and reality – the challenges of river taxis at the heart of urban mobility **
In the economic and social bubbling of Kinshasa, Governor Daniel Bumba recently sounded the alarm concerning one of the most promising solutions to resolve the chronic traffic jams that take the Kinois hostage: the introduction of river taxis on the Congo river. Although this initiative takes on the air of progress, it is also tinged with skepticism, as the collective memory of unwarmed promises is shaping increasing reluctance to the commitment of the authorities.
Historically, the City of Kinshasa, with figures exceeding the course of 10 million inhabitants, has always been faced with transport challenges. A World Bank report believes that road congestion costs around 2 % of national GDP, a figure that raises the effect of the effective management of urban infrastructure. The current situation comments on a dichotomy between access to mobility and the empire of dilapidated roads, more than 75 % of which are impracticable, leaving the Kinois disillusioned in the face of the promise of a more radiant future.
However, the promise to introduce river taxis is accompanied by a heavy budgetary price, and an implementation which requires an in -depth strategic reflection. The commissioning of river taxis should not be an isolated solution, but integrated into a wider framework of reforms in the transport sector. In addition, the lack of support infrastructure, such as quays, tags to guarantee secure navigation, and capital available to finance these projects, are challenges that break the ambitions.
** An ecosystem vision of urban mobility **
Adopting a systemic approach that encompasses all facets of urban mobility is essential. The introduction of river taxis, although favorable, must be perceived in the context of a multimodal strategy that combines water, road and potentially, rail. Cities like Amsterdam, for example, have integrated river transport networks which, not only reduce congestion, but also improve the quality of urban life by a decrease in pollution.
In parallel, resistance to the adoption of river taxis must be analyzed in the prism of the previous failures of government projects. The promises of improving public transport services have often been hampered by administrative failure, where substantial investments are dilapidated in unpaid or abandoned projects. This underlines the need for transparent operation and an open dialogue with citizens, where each stage of the project would be subject to rigorous follow -up.
** International comparisons: failures or delays? **
Internationally, countries and Brazil have experienced revolutions in transport systems through innovative public-private partnerships. In Sao Paulo, where the road situation was just as disastrous, massive investments in public transport systems made it possible not only to decongest the city, but also to revitalize certain economic sectors.
For Kinshasa, a fundamental project would be the establishment of strategic partnerships with international companies to attract foreign investments, capable of overcoming the infrastructure challenge. For example, the construction of boats adapted to local specificities or the installation of intelligent navigation technologies could become levers to modernize urban river transport.
** Towards a collective mobilization: the active role of citizens **
Beyond government measures, Kinshasa citizens have a role to play in the way urban mobility will be redefined. Community initiatives, such as the development of mobile applications to optimize river journeys or a feedback system to assess the taxi service, could transform debates into participative wealth. This would encourage Kinois to appropriate the project, not as a simple political promise, but as an integral part of their daily life.
Ultimately, the promise of river taxis in Kinshasa represents more than a simple means of transport; She embodies the hope of a revolution in the way the Kinois move and interact with their city. However, without a determined, consistent and inclusive approach, this vision can remain a dead letter. The Congo river has always been the common thread of the city, and its adequate exploitation could, hopefully, mark the start of a new era which would give Kinois not only the right to mobility, but also to dignity.