The repair of Goma airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is an absolute emergency. Tryphon Kinkiey Mulumba, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Airway Authority (RVA), stressed the need to mobilize an envelope of 300 thousand US dollars to mark the runway at Goma airport, in order to facilitate night landings . This investment would improve the safety and efficiency of flights in the region.
During a recent tour of the hinterland, Tryphon Kinkiey Mulumba witnessed the problems facing airports in the DRC. He particularly underlined the dilapidated state of the equipment and infrastructure, as well as the deterioration of the tracks. This situation jeopardizes the safety of passengers and limits the economic development of the region.
Goma airport is not the only one to encounter difficulties. Tryphon Kinkiey Mulumba also mentioned the low reception capacity of the Lubumbashi airport, as well as the similar problems encountered at the airport of Kalemie, capital of the province of Tanganyika. He nevertheless hailed the work underway at Bangoka airport in Kisangani, which will enable the DRC to have a modern international air terminal in the near future.
In addition to infrastructure problems, the DRC also faces challenges with regard to the quality of aircraft used for domestic flights. Many planes are in an advanced state of disrepair, which compromises the safety of passengers. There is an urgent need to put in place measures to improve safety standards and ensure the quality of aircraft used in the country.
To finance the modernization of airports and the acquisition of adequate equipment, the RVA introduced a tax called Go-pass in 2009. However, despite this tax, N’djili airport in Kinshasa has not yet been raised to international standards. It is therefore essential to continue efforts to finance and modernize airport infrastructure to meet the country’s growing needs.
In conclusion, the repair and modernization of airport infrastructure in the DRC is a crucial issue for ensuring passenger safety and promoting the country’s economic development. It is essential to mobilize the necessary resources to carry out this work as soon as possible and guarantee optimal travel conditions for travelers in the DRC.